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EASY LESSONS 



IN 



Civil Government 



ARRANGED FOR 



INDIVIDUAL, CLUB, OR SOCIAL STUDY. 

A thorough series of Questions and Answers 
on How the United States are Governed. 
The Functions, Powers and Limitations of the 

National, STATK. and Municipal Governments 



Also Questions on Important Subjects which 
every one should be able to answer. 



BY 



LILIAN COLE-BETHEL, 



Published by the Author, 
738 East Long Street, Columbus, Ohio.. 



THE LIBRARY OF 
CONGRESS, 

Two Copies Received 

MAR. 26 1901 

Copyright entry 

*r*S« — ^X*<v N«. 
(o / 06 
COPY B. 



Q&u t eJL 



z 






Entered, according to act of Congress, in the year 

1898, by LILIAN COLE-BETHEL, in the office 

of Librarian of Congress at Washington, D. C. 

All Bights Reserved. 



REVISED EDITION, 
1901. 



PREFACE. 



This manual has been arranged for busy people. 
To study the larger works on Civil Government and 
questions of the day, with many is impossible. Our 
form and system of government should be familiar 
to every citizen and to be able to answer intelligently 
many common, every-day questions, is an accomplish- 
ment to be coveted. These things I have sought to 
elucidate in the following pages. Some special sub- 
jects which are attracting much attention at the pres- 
ent time have been considered of sufficient import- 
ance to introduce here, briefly, and in a way to cover 
the salient points and principles enunciated. 

LILIAN COLE-BETHEL. 
Columbus, Ohio. 
March, 1898. 



DEDICATED TO 

The progressive women whom the author has met in 

her Parliamentary Law Classes, whose thirst 

for further knowledge has prompted her 

to bring out this little manual. 



INDEX. 



NATIONAL GOVERNMENT. 

PAGE 

Government 1-2 

Colonial Government 2-4 

The States Government 4 

History of Congress 5-9 

Legislative Department 10-12 

The House of Representatives 12-25 

The Senate .' ...... 26-29 

The Executive Department . 30 

The President ... 30-32 

The Vice-President 33 

The Electoral College 33-38 

Members of the Cabinet 39 

The Secretary of State 39-40 

The Secretary of Treasury 40-43 

The Secretary of War 43 

The Secretary of Navy 43 

The Attorney-General 44 

The Secretary of the Interior 44 

The Post-Master General 44-45 

Special Delivery Service 45-46 

The Secretary of Agriculture 46 

Military and Naval Academies 47-48 

Diplomatic Service 48-49 

Judicial Department 50-54 

Civil Service and Signal Service, — 54-56 

District of Columbia 56-57 

The Territories, How Governed 58-61 

Naturalization 61 

Library of Congress 62 

Our Flag 63-64 

The Liberty Bell 64-65 

The United States Seal 65-66 

5 



PAGE 

Liberty Enlightening the World 66 

Duty, Tax and Single Tax 67-70 

Copyright 71 

Patents 72 

Money 72-76 

National and State Banks 77-83 

Clearing House 84 

Direct Legislation 85-88 

The Initiative and Referendum of Switzerland 88-91 

Political Sayings 92-96 

Miscellaneous Questions 97-117 

National Songs 1 18-119 

State Names 120-123 

Our Neighbor Governments 124 

Mexico 124-125 

Canada 125-126 

STATE GOVERNMENTS. 

Early Government of Ohio 128-129 

Legislative . . 130 

House of Representatives 130-132 

The Senate 132-134 

The Executive Department 135 

The Governor 136-137 

The Secretary of State 137-138 

The Auditor of State 138 

The Treasurer of State 138-139 

The Attorney-General 139 

The Commissioner of Public Schools 140 

The Board of Public Works 140 

Minor Executive Officers 141-142 

The Judiciary 143-145 

The Trial. 146-147 

The Supreme Court 147-149 

The Circuit Courts 149 

The Courts of Common Pleas 150 

Justice of Peace and Municipal Courts 150-152 

The Militia 152-153 



PAGE 

State Institutions 153 

Education 153-154 

Incorporations — 154 

Elections • .155-158 

Registration of Voters 158 

Notice of Election 159 

The Australian Ballot 159-163 

The County ... 163 

The County Commissioners 164 

The Treasurer : 165 

County Auditor 165 

Recorder 166 

County Surveyor 166 

Infirmary Directors 167 

Coroner 167-168 

The Sheriff 168 

The Clerk of Courts 169 

The Prosecuting Attorney 169-170 

Probate Judge 170 

TheiTownship 170 

The Township Trustees ... 171 

The Township Clerk 171 

The Township Treasurer 172 

The Assessor 172 

The Constable 1 72 

The Township Supervisor of Roads 173 

Municipal Corporations 173-174 

The Hamlet 174 

The Village 174 

The Village Council. . . 175 

The Village Mayor 175 

The Village Marshal 175 

The City 175-176 

The City Council , 176 

The City Mayor .... 176 

TheCityClerk 176 

Other City Officers , . . 176 

7 



'■'Know most of the rooms of thy native country before 
thou goest over the threshold thereof." ^Fuller, 



'•America is another word for opportunity." 

— Emerson, 



CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

What is government f 

It is the direction and control of human interests 
and founded upon human rights. 

Name three distinct Junctions of government ? 

The legislative, executive and judicial. 

Define each. 

The legislative is to make laws. 

The executive is to carry the laws into effect. 

The judicial is to interpret and apply laws. 

Name three forms of government. 

Monarchy, aristocracy and democracy. 

Define each. 

A monarchy is a form of government in which 
the sovereign powers are in the hands of a single 
person. A limited monarchy is one in which the 
royal power is restricted by representative institu- 
tions of some kind. An aristocracy is a govern- 
ment controlled by a few persons distinguished for 
rank, wealth and knowledge. A democracy is a 
government in which the supreme power is in the 
hands of the whole people and directly expressed 
by them. A republic is a representative democracy 
in which the sovereign power is exercised by re- 
presentatives elected by the people. The United 
States and the respective states have this form of 
government. 
2 



2 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

The term democracy is derived from what Greek 
word? 

Demos, meaning the people. 

COLONIAL GOVERNMENT. 

How were the colonies governed before the revo- 
lutionary war ? 

They were subject to the government of Great 
Britain and the power of the king. 

Were all the colonies governed alike ? 

Each colony had a separate and distinct govern- 
ment, but resembled the others in form. 

How were certain liberties given ? 

By the king granting them charters. In the char- 
tered colonies the freemen elected the members 
(representative) of the lower house in its legislative 
department. 

The powers of government were vested in whom f 

A governor, a council and an assembly of repre- 
sentatives. 

How was the governor appointed ? 

By the king or by such persons as had authority 
from the king to appoint. 

How was the council appointed? 

Either directly by the king or the privilege was 
granted the governor of the colony. 

Could they make their own lavos ? 

They could make no law contrary to the laws of 
England. They were granted the privilege of 
making some laws. 

Were all the colonies granted charters ? 

In most of the colonies the people had but little 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 3 

control over public affairs, and were at the mercy 
of the governor. 

Were the people discontented? 

Yes, for many reasons. In 1663 by act of par- 
liament the colonies were compelled to buy all 
their supplies in England ; also manufactories in 
America were prohibited. 

Did this oppression continue ? 

Yes. In 1672 the colonies were compelled by 
parliament to send their product of exchange from 
one colony to another by way of England and pay 
duty, or if sent direct to pay duty in America. 

What act was passed in parliament in 1J74 that 
caused such a disturbance in the Massachusetts 
government ? 

The so-called Regulation Act. 

What were its provisions ? 

That the members of the council be appointed 
by the Royal governor, and that they be paid by 
the crown. Also that the principal executive and 
judicial officers be paid by the crown, and that 
town meetings be prohibited except for electing 
town officers. Other severe laws were passed at 
the same time. 

Were these laws enforced? 

Massachusetts being a chartered colony and 
having enjoyed certain privileges, rebelled against 
the new order of things. Troops were sent from 
England to aid in enforcing this act, and out of 
this political situation came the battles of Bunker 
Hill and Lexington. 



4 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

What was the Stamp Act? 

An order that stamps bought of the British gov- 
ernment should be put on all legal documents, 
newspapers, pamphlets, etc. 

What attitude did America have toward England 
in regard to the heavy tax laid upon her ? 

She believed that taxation " without representa- 
tion was tyranny," and " that no tax should be 
imposed on them without their consent given 
directly or by their representatives." 

To what did this taxation lead ? 

To the agitation of self-government, followed 
by the famous Declaration of Rights, made in 1785. 
The feeling of bitterness was great and the agita- 
tion for home rule continued, which led to the 
Revolutionary war in 1775. 

THE STATES GOVERNMENT. 

Name the thirteen original colonies ? 

Virginia, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New 
York, Connecticut, Maryland, Rhode Island, 
Delaware, North Carolina, New Jersey, South Car- 
olina, Pennsylvania, Georgia. 

When did the colonies become states ? 

They had all except two organized as states and 
adopted state constitutions before the constitution 
of the United States was adopted. 

What two remained under their former charter? 

Connecticut until 1818, and Rhode Island until 
1842. 

What colony was the first to make a new state 
constitution f 

New Hampshire, in 1775. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 



'■Our Liberties we prize, our Bights we will maintain. 1 



HISTORY OF CONGRESS. 

When was the first Congress held? 

The first Colonial Congress, or representative 
Assembly of America, met in New York, Oct. 7, 
1765. 

Of what was it composed? 

Delegates from nine Colonies. 

What was the purpose of this assembly ? 

To oppose the stamp act and the principle of 
taxation without representation. 

When was the next Congress held? 

In 1774 in Philadelphia. 

How many Colonies were represented? 

Twelve. 

What was done at this Congress ? 

The well known Declaration of Rights was 
again drawn up and promulgated. 

By what name was the body known ? 

The Continental Congress. 

When was the Declaration of Independence 
adopted? 

July 4th, 1776. 

How many states signed it ? 

Thirteen. New Hampshire, Massachusetts, 
Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, 



6 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland,Virginia, North 
Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. 

How many members signed? 

Fifty-six. 

Who read the Declaration of Independence aloud 
in the yard of Independence Hall ? 

John Nixon, July 8th, 1776. The same day the 
King's arms over the door of the Supreme Court 
room in Independence Hall were torn down and 
burned in the evening in the presence ot a great 
crowd of citizens. 

To what place did Congress remove its sittings 
toward the latter part of 1776 ? 

To Baltimore. 

What action was taken in 1777 ? 

Articles of Confederation were prepared, and 
after much discussion were passed. 

When were they adopted? 

In Philadelphia, July 9th, 1778, and submitted 
to the states. 

What report came before Congress in 1785. 

A committee of Congress made a report recom- 
mending an alteration of the Articles of Confeder- 
ation. 

Did Congress act in the matter ? 

No, but it was left to the State Legislatures to 
proceed in the matter. 

How did the State Legislatures act ? 

The States finally agreed to have a delegated 
convention. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 7 

Was Congress in favor of this ? 

Yes. In February. 1787, it adopted resolutions 
in favor of a convention. 

When did this convention meet ? 

In May, 1787. 

How many states were represented? 

Seven. 

Who was elected President of the convention f 

George Washington of Virginia. 

What was the outcome of this convention f 

The Constitution of the United States was begun. 

Was it finished then ? 

No, not until a convention of the States met 
September 17th, 1787. 

How many states were represented? 

Twelve. Rhode Island held aloof. 

How many delegates signed the Constitution ? 

Thirty-nine. 

At the Constitutional Convention, how were the 
delegates appointed ? 

By the State Legislatures. 
Who presented the Constitution to Congress ? 
The President of the Convention. 
When did Congress direct the Constitution sent 
to the States for ratification ? 
September 28th, 1787. 

Was the Constitution ratified by the States by direct 
popular vote ? 

No, it was ratified by delegated conventions. 



8 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

What State was the first to ratify the Constitution? 

Delaware, December 7th, 1787. 

Hoiv many states had ratified the Constitution before 
the first Congress was held under it ? 

Eleven. Rhode Island and North Carolina not 
ratifying until afterwards. 

When was the new Congress held under the new 
Constitution ? 

March 4th, 1789. 

Where was it held ? 

In New York city. 

How many were present at the first Congress ? 

Sixty-five in the House and twenty-four in the 
Senate. 

Upon what basis were Representatives elected in i*j8j. 

One for every 30,000 inhabitants. 

What states were represented in that Congress ? 

All but Rhode Island. 

Where was the next Congress held? 

In Philadelphia, 1790. 

When did Congress move to Washington? 

In 1800. 

Why was Congress removed from New York? 

Because the agricultural members feared the 
influence of surrounding commercial interests in 
legislation. 

What was the objection to Congress continuing in 
Philadelphia. 

Because the Southern members were afraid of 
the Quaker influence in urging the abolition of 
Slavery. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 9 

How can we amend the Constitution f 

The Constitution itself makes the provision, thus : 
" The Congress whenever two-thirds of both houses 
shall deem it necessary shall propose an amend- 
ment to this constitution, or on the application of 
the Legislatures of two-thirds of the several states, 
shall call a convention for proposing amendments, 
which in either case shall be valid to all intents 
and purposes, as part of this Constitution when 
ratified by the Legislature of two-thirds of the sev- 
eral states, or by conventions in two-thirds thereof, 
as the one or the other mode of ratification may be 
proposed by Congress." 

How many amendments have been made to our 
National Constitution ? 

Fifteen in all. 

Were these ratified by the State Legislature or State 
Conventions ? 

In every case they were submitted by Congress 
to the State Legislatures, for ratification. 

Name three divisions of the Constitution as pertaining 
to government. 

Legislative, Executive and Judicial. 



10 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 



" United we stand, divided we fall." 



LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT. 

What is the first section of 'the National Constitution t 
"All legislative powers herein granted shall be 
vested in a congress of the United States, which 
shall consist of a Senate and a House of Repre- 
sentatives." 

Why do we have the two houses of congress f 
We pattern after most of the English speaking 
countries having two houses. It is supposed to 
be a check upon hasty legislation, and the interests 
of the people are thought to be protected since each 
house scrutinizes the acts of the other. 

CONGRESS. 

How many sessions does each congress hold? 

Two. The first cannot end until both houses 
are ready to adjourn The second congress of the 
same session must adjourn March 4th, at noon. 

What is the first session called f 

The " Long Session." The second one, the 
"Short Session" closing the congress. 

When does Congress convene? 

The first Monday in December. 

Can either house of Co)igress adjourn without the 
consent of the other ? 

Not for more than three days at a time. 



EASY LESSONS IX CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 11 

If both houses do not agree about the time of ad* 
journing what is done ? 

The President of the United States can adjourn 
them to such a time as he may think proper. 

What was the longest term of Congress ever held in 
the United States ? 

The fiftieth, from December 5th, 1 887, to October 
20th, 1888. 

What becomes of bills not passed at the expiration 
of Congress ? 

Bills run from the long to the short session, but 
at the expiration of the short session, March 4th, 
all bills not passed, perish, as the session is fixed 
by statute and can not be extended. 

What are some of the powers of Congress t 

The Congress shall have power to levy and col- 
lect taxes, duties, imposts, etc., to pay the debts of 
the United States ; 

To borrow money on public credit ; 

To regulate commerce ; 

To establish naturalization laws and laws govern- 
ing bankruptcy ; 

To coin money ; 

To promote science and useful arts ; 

To constitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme 
Court ; 

To declare war ; To raise and support armies ; 

To provide and maintain a navy; 

To provide for organizing, arming and disciplin- 
ing the militia ; 

To exercise exclusive legislative action over such 
a district as shall contain the capitol of the United 
States ; 



12 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

To make all laws which shall be necessary for 
carrying into execution the foregoing powers and 
all other powers vested by this Constitution in the 
Government of the United States, or in any de- 
partment, or officers thereof. 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 

How are the members of the House elected '? 

By the people, on the basis of the population, 
one for every 173,901 (in 1900). 

What was the basis when the Constitution was adopted? 

One Representative for every 30,000, but each 
state was entitled to one Representative whether it 
had that number or not. Each state is still enti- 
tled to u at least one member.'' 

How many members have we in our House of 
Representatives? 

357 (in 1900). 

Are the members elected by the direct vote of the 
people ? 

Yes, each state elects one from each district in 
the state, and the election always takes place in 
the even years. 

If a state is entitled to more representatives by popu- 
lation than it has districts, what is done ? 

If the State Legislature has not made the neces- 
sary arrangements to redistrict a state that has 
increased in population, the additional numbers 
are elected on a general ticket by the whole state, 
called Representatives-at-large. 

For how long is a Representative elected? 

For two years. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 1£ 

At what age is a person eligible to the office of 
representative ? 

" Twenty-five years, and must be a citizen of the 
United States seven years." 

When does his term begin ? 

The fourth of March in the year for which he is 
elected, but he does not take his seat until Decem- 
ber unless there is an extra session. 

What salary does a U. S. Representative receive f 

$5,000 per annum. The salary begins on the 
fourth of March next succeeding the general election. 

Is this all the compensation they get ? 

No, in addition they receive mileage at the rate 
of twenty cents a mile in going to and returning 
from each regular session, also an allowance of 
$125 for postage and stationery. 

How are they paid? 

From the National Treasury. 

CONTESTED ELECTIONS. 

How are seats co?itested in the House ? 

A person intending to contest an election of a 
Representative, must, thirty days after election, 
give notice, in writing, to the member, whose seat 
he expects to contest, of his intention to contest 
the same. 

What is the nature of the notice ? 

It must specify particularly the grounds upon 
which he expects to contest. 

Where are the contested cases first heard? 

Usually before the Committee on Elections and 
they report to the House, and action is taken there. 



14 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

Who pays the expenses of these contestants ? 

The Government pays a sum not exceeding 
#2,000. 

In case a vacancy occurs in the representation of any 
state, what is done ? 

The Governor calls a new election and the people 
vote for a person to fill the vacancy. 

ORGANIZATION OF THE HOUSE. 

What are the officers cliosen in the House ? 

A speaker (who is always a member of the 
House), clerk, sergeant-at-arms, door-keeper, post- 
master and chaplain (these are not members of 
the House). 

Who presides in the House ? 

The Speaker. 

Who presides until he is elected ? 

The Clerk of the last session, who holds over. 

What is the first thing done in organizing? 

The Clerk calls the House to order and then 
calls the roll. 

Does the Clerk know previously who the members are ? 

Yes, the law requires the Clerk to make a roll 
of the members whose credentials show they have 
been duly elected. 

In case of a vacancy in the office of clerk, or if he is 
absent or not able to discharge Ins duties in preparing 
the roll, who does it? 

The Sergeant-at-arms. If neither are present, 
then the Door-keeper performs the office. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 15 

What vote elects ? 

A majority ; if no one is elected on the first vote, 
they proceed until one receives a majority. 

When elected what does the Clerk announce f 
• That such a person is "duly elected Speaker of 
the House of Representatives for the — Congress." 
The Speaker is then conducted to the platform 
and takes the oath of office. 

Who administers this oath to the Speaker? 

Usually the member who has been longest in 
continuous service. After the Speaker has taken 
the oath, the members from each state are called 
and the oath is administered to them by the Speaker. 

What is the oath of office f 

" I, : — , do solemnly swear (or affirm) that 

I will support and defend the constitution of the 
United States against all enemies, foreign and 
domestic ; that I will bear true faith and allegiance 
to the same; that I take this obligation freely, 
without any mental reservation or purpose of 
evasion, and that I will well and faithfully dis- 
charge the duties of the office on which I am about 
to enter, so help me God." 

After the oath is administered, what is next done? 

The members then elect the Clerk, Sergeant-at- 
arms, Door-keeper, Postmaster and Chaplain, each 
taking an oath to support the Constitution of the 
United States and to faithfully perform the duties 
of his office. 

How are the Territories represe?ited in Congress ? 
By delegates. (See Territories.) 



16 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

The oath of office is administered to them fol- 
lowing the Representatives and Officers 

After both houses are organized, what is done ? 

Each house instructs its Clerk (or secretary) to 
notify the other house that they have organized 
and are ready for business. A joint committee 
from both houses then waits upon the President 
of the United States, informing him of the organi- 
zation and their being ready to receive any com- 
munications. 

Following the organization, how do the members 
select their seats ? 

They draw lots for them. u The Clerk places, 
in a box, a number of small balls, which are num- 
bered, equal to the number of members and 
delegates. At a certain hour, previously fixed by 
the House, these balls are drawn by a page, the 
number announced and the member whose name 
corresponds to that number on the numbered 
alphabetical list, previously prepared, shall ad- 
vance and choose his seat for the term for which 
he is elected." 

How often does the House organize ? 

Only at the beginning of the first session of each 
Congress, every two years. Almost the first order 
of business after organizing is to adopt rules gov- 
erning the House and fixing the hour for the daily 
meetings. 

Speaker. What are the duties and the privileges of 
the Speaker f 

At the hour fixed to open each day, he calls the 
House to order, and if there is a quorum present, 
he calls for the journal of the last day's sittings 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVEENMENT. 17 

which is read and approved. He signs all acts, 
addresses, joint resolutions, etc. He decides all 
questions subject to an appeal. Being a member, 
he can vote on all questions, his name being called 
last at the roll call. The Speaker has the privi- 
lege of appointing the standing committees. 

What salary does he receive ? 

$8,000 a year. 

Name some of the leading committees. 

Committees on Appropriations, Commerce, Riv- 
ers and Harbors, Foreign Affairs, Ways and Means-, 
Banking and Currency, Railroads and Courts, 
Manufactures, Patents, Education, Labor, Pensions, 
Claims, Expenditures in the Departments, Enrolled 
Bills, Agriculture and Elections. 

The Speaker must also appoint from the dele- 
gates, in addition to the committees already ap- 
pointed, a delegate on the following committees: 
Coinage, Weights and Measures, Agriculture, Mil- 
itary Affairs, Post Office, Post Roads, Public Lands, 
Indian Affairs, Private Land Claims, Mines and 
Mining and two on Territories. The first one 
named is chairman of the standing committees. 

The Speaker has the right to appoint the official 
stenographer of the House and the stenographer 
for the committees. He also has the power to 
remove them for sufficient cause. He has the 
privilege of appointing three regents of the Smith- 
sonian Institute, three visitors to the Military 
Academy at West Point, three visitors to the Naval 
Academy at Annapolis, two directors of the Co- 
lumbia Hospital for women, two directors for the 
Columbia Institute for the Deaf and Dumb, and 
3 



18 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

two consulting trustees for the Reform School of 
the District of Columbia. 

Congress provides that the Speaker shall set 
aside a portion of the West Gallery for the use of 
the President of the United States and the Cabinet, 
the Justices of the Supreme Court, Foreign Minis- 
ters and suites and the members of their families ; 
also, for persons admitted on the cards of members. 
The Southern half of the East Gallery is for the 
members' families. 

Clerk. A part of the duties of the Clerk has 
already been given in the organization of the House. 

What are some of the requirements of the Clerk. 

After he enters upon his duties he must give 
bonds for $20,000. 

The salary of the officers and employes of the 
House, as fixed by law, are paid by the Clerk by 
warrants on the U. S. Treasury. He must also 
keep an accurate account of all disbursements out 
of the contingent fund of the House, moneys ex- 
pended, etc. He is also authorized to sign, during 
the recess of Congress, the certificates for the 
monthly compensation of members and delegates, 
also from the time a member is duly elected to the 
opening of the first session. 

The Clerk of the House and Secretary of the 
Senate must advertise once a week for four weeks 
in some leading paper, or papers, published in the 
District of Columbia, for sealed proposals for sup- 
plying both houses with necessary stationery. 

The Clerk gives a printed order for printing and 
binding, or for blank books for the House, subject 
to the approval of the committee on accounts. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 19 

The Clerk of the House and the Secretary of the 
Seriate are required to procure and file all reports 
made by each committee; these reports with all 
succeeding reports are bound and deposited in the 
library of each house. 

He furnishes to members a list of official reports. 
He makes or approves all contracts, bargains for 
the performance of any labor for the House, accord- 
ing to the law or order of the House. He reads 
all messages and bills, and calls the roll of members 
and keeps on file all papers belonging to the House. 
He keeps the library of the House, where all 
copies of printed documents of either House are 
kept. 

Sergeant-at-Arms. What are the duties of the 
Sergeant- at- arms ? 

He is to assist the Speaker to keep order in the 
House. 

Is he required to give bonds ? 

Yes. After he is elected and has taken the oath 
of office, he must give bonds with two or more 
securities, to be approved by the first comptroller 
of the Treasury, for the sum of $50,000, as disburs- 
ing officer of the United States. 

Can a member of congress go as security 07t such a 
bond ? 

No. 

With whom shall these bonds be deposited? 

With the first Comptroller of the Treasury. 

How are the members of the House paid? 

Out of the United States Treasury, on an order 
drawn by the Sergeant-at-arms of the House. He 



20 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

must keep accurate account of the salaries and 
mileage of the members and delegates and pay 
them as above stated. 

How long does he hold his office ? 

He continues in office, the same as the Clerk, 
until his successor is elected and qualified, unless 
otherwise removed. 

Does the Set geant-at- Arms do all this work? 

No, the law allows him as assistants, one deputy, 
one cashier, one paying teller, one bookkeeper, one 
messenger, one page, and one laborer. These are 
all paid by the government. 

The Sergeant at- Arms of both Houses have the 
right to appoint the capitol police under the call of 
the House. 

What else is the Ser geant-at- Arms required 
to do ? 

In the absence of a quorum, fifteen members 
including the Speaker shall be authorized to com- 
pel the attendance of those absent, the doors shall 
be closed and the absentees noted, who by the 
order of the majority shall be sent for and arrested, 
wherever they may be found, by officers appointed 
by the Sergeant-at-Arms, and the House shall de- 
termine upon what condition or fine they shall be 
discharged. 

The Door= Keeper. What are his duties ? 

The Door-Keeper sees that the rules are observed 
relating to the privileges of the Hall and is respon- 
sible for the conduct of his employees. At the 
beginning and close of each session he must report 
to the House an account of all furniture, books and 
public property in the various committee and other 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 21 

rooms under his charge. This report is referred 
to the committee on accounts and they hold him 
liable for missing articles. 

The Postmaster. What are his duties ? 

He shall keep the postoffice in the Capitol for 
the convenience of the members, and is responsible 
for the safe delivery of their mail. 

The Postoffice is open every day in the year, 
whether Congress is in session or not, and the Post- 
master must see to forwarding all mail, if not de- 
livered. 

The Chaplain attends the opening of each day's 
sitting and opens the same with prayer. 

The Pages are elected by the House, usually on 
the recommendation of some member, and receive 
a salary of two dollars and a half per day. 

Can a member of either house hold any other office 
under the United States at the same time ? 

No. 

Are members exempt from arrest ? 

Members cannot be arrested except for treason, 
felony or breach of the peace, during their atten- 
dance upon their respective houses, and in going 
to and from the meetings of Congress. 

What is the title given to a member of Congress ? 

" Honorable." 

Can a person be a member of Congress and a Cabinet 
officer at the same time ? 

No ; nor can a Representative be appointed an 
elector, or practice in the Court of Claims. A 
member of Congress cannot hold an office he has 
helped to create. 



22 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

A member cannot accept payment from a citizen 
for any service, except for legal services, and even 
then the law forbids him to accept pay for obtain- 
ing pensions. 

Any member found guilty of accepting bribes 
may be expelled or fined or imprisoned. A mem- 
ber cannot make a public contract under penalty 
of #3,000 fine. 

If a member resigns to whom does he give his 
resignation f 

To the Governor of the State. 

What provision does the constitution make about 
members receiving titles ? 

" No title of nobility shall be granted by the 
United States, and no person holding any office of 
profit or trust under them shall without the consent 
of Congress, accept of any present, emolument, 
office or title of any kind whatever from any King, 
Prince or foreign State." 

Bach member and delegate is entitled to a clerk, 
during the sessions of Congress, who is paid out 
of the contingent fund. The amount for clerk 
hire must not exceed #100 a month. 

After the organization and the committees ap- 
pointed, they then being ready for business, how is 
it introduced ? 

Usually by the presentation of bills. 

What is a bill? 

A form or draft of a law presented. 
What is a preamble ? 

If there is a preamble, it is the introductory part 
of the document, which states the intents and 
reasons of the same. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 23 

What is a memorial? 

A representation of the facts presented to the 
Legislature for some other body, usually accom- 
panied by a petition. 

How is a bill headed? 

The style and title such as " An act making ap- 
propriations — for the year ending July — " is used. 
What else in the form of heading? 

Always, " Be it enacted by the Senate and the 
House of Representatives of the United States of 

America in Congress assembled ." 

When is a bill voted on ? 

It can be referred to the proper committee after 
the first reading, amended at the second and voted 
on after the third. After the third reading the bill 
cannot be amended but can be debated. 
What is then done ? 

The vote is taken. If carried by a majority it 
passes. Only after a bill is passed is the " title " 
subject to amendments and that without debate. 

What is done with a bill after it passes ? 

The engrossed bill, certified to by the Clerk is 
then carried by the Clerk of the House to the Secre- 
tary of the Senate, where the bill is presented with 
a message requesting concurrence. 

If the bill passes the Senate, what is then done 
with it? 

If it passes both houses, it is enrolled on parch- 
ment under the direction of the Clerk or Secretary 
of the House in which it originated and is then 
signed by the Speaker of the House and President 
of the Senate. It is then taken to the President at 
the Executive Mansion by the Clerk or some 



24 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

member of the enrolling committee to be signed. 
The date when presented is on the bill. 

If the President approves the bill, what does he do ? 

He writes the word "approved" on the bill and 
it becomes a law. It is then deposited in the 
state department. 

If the President does not approve the measure, what 
does he do ? 

Vetoes it. That is he returns the bill to the 
House in which it originated and upon it he states 
his objections, and these objections must be entered 
at length on its journal. 

Can a bill ever become a law over the President' s 
veto ? 

It can be reconsidered and if two-thirds of the 
members favor it and it is thus carried in both 
houses, it becomes a law even over the President's 
veto 

Can a bill become a law without the Presidents sig- 
nature ? 

Yes. If a bill is presented to him and he does 
not sign and return it within ten days, (Sundays 
excepted) it becomes a law, the same as though he 
had signed it. The Wilson Tariff bill was not 
signed by the President (Cleveland) but became a 
law. 

If Congress adjourned and the Pfesident has not 
signed or returned the bills presented to liim, what 
becomes of them? 

They fail to become a law. This has been 
termed a "pocket" veto. 

What President first practiced the "pocket" veto 
privilege? 

Jackson in 1829. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIE GOVERNMENT. 25 

What does the word veto mean? 

It is a latin word meaning "I forbid.'' 

In zv hat house must bills for raising revenue "ori- 
ginate?"* 

In the House of Representatives, but the 
Senate may propose amendments. 

Which House can impeach f 

The House of Representatives has the sole 
power of impeachment and the Senate sole power 
to try impeachment. 

What rules of order govern both Houses of Congress ? 

Jefferson's Manual. Outside of this each house 
"has special rules of its own. 

Who reads the President 1 s message? 

The Clerk. 

What are the modes of voting in the House of 
Representatives ? 

By viva voce vote, by teller vote, by ballot and 
by the yeas and nays. 

What is the teller vote ? 

If the chair in deciding a viva voce vote is 
doubted he asks the members to rise and be counted, 
and if this is doubted he appoints two tellers. 
These tellers, or counters, are stationed in front of 
the Speaker's desk, and the voting members pass 
between the tellers, and are counted and result 
announced to the Speaker. 

What is the yea and nay vote ? 

The recorded vote. The Clerk calls the roll and 
each voter is recorded " yea" or " nay." 

How is the vote in the House of Commons taken ? 

The members go into the lobby, where they are 
• counted. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 



" A man's love for his native land lies deeper than any 
logical expression among the pulses of the heart which vibrate 
to the sanctities of home and to the thoughts which leap up> 
from his father's grave. 1 " 1 



THE SENATE. 

Name three functions of the Senate. 

Legislative, executive and judicial. 

What are the legislative functions ? 

To make laws with the house of representatives.. 

What are its executive functions ? 

To approve or disapprove the President's nomi- 
nations of federal officers, such as judges, ministers, 
and ambassadors ; also of treaties made by the 
President. 

What are its judicial functions ? 

To try cases of impeachment preferred by the- 
house of representatives. 

How are the senators elected? 

By the state legislature for a term of six years.. 
They are elected by a majority of both houses. 
Who signs the senators'' certificates ? 

The governor, under the seal of the state, and' 
the president of the senate. It is also signed by 
the secretary of state. 

Do all the senators* terms expire at the same 
time f 

No. The constitution provides that one-third of 
the senators shall be elected every two years, and. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 2T 

no state shall elect both of its senators at the same 
time. 

In case of vacancy how is the office filled ? 

If a vacancy occurs during the recess .of the 
legislature, the governor makes the appointment 
until the legislature meets, and then it fills the 
vacancy. 

How long does a senator appointed to fill a vacancy 
hold his seat? 

Until the next session of the legislature elects 
a successor. 

If the state legislature fails to elect a senator, 
having had an opportunity, can the governor fill 
such vacancy? 

No. 

At what age is a person eligible to the office as 
senator? 

Thirty years, and must have been a citizen of 
the United States nine years. 

How many senators has each state? 
Two. 

How many senators in all have we? 
Ninety. (1900.) 
When does a term begin? 

On the fourth of March, on the expiration of the 
term of his predecessor. 

What salary does a senator receive? 

$5,000 per annum. He also receives, for expenses,, 
mileage at the rate of twenty cents a mile traveling 
to and from congress and one hundred and twenty- 



28 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

five dollars for stationery, paid from the national 
treasury. 

Who presides in the senate f 

The vice president of the United States, by 
virtue of his office, is president of the senate. 
If the Vice President is unable to preside, the 
senate chooses one of its members to be president 
pro tempore. 

Does the senate organize in the same manner as the 
house ? 

Not exactly. The senate chooses its new officers 
at the beginning of the new congress — such as 
secretary, clerks, sergeant-at-arms, pages, etc. 

If the Vice President is not present at the opening of 
the new congress who presides ? 

The secretary, until the president pro tempore is 
elected. 

Is the Vice President a member of the senate f 

No ; and he can only vote when the senate is 
equally divided; when he gives the casting vote. 

Has the president of the senate the same privilege as 
speaker of house in appointing committees ! 

No; as he is not a member of the senate, the 
committees are elected by ballot by the members. 
Who administers the oath of office to the senators? 

The president of the senate. 
What is the oath? 

The same at that taken by the representatives. 
What are the duties of the secretary of the senate? 

Similar to those of the clerk of the house as to 
the business brought before the senate. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 29 

How are senators paid? 

By the Secretary of the senate. The secretary, 
as the disbursing officer of the senate, must, within 
thirty days after election, give a bond to the 
United States, with securities to be approved by 
the first comptroller of the treasury, for twenty 
thousand dollars. 

How are bills passed in the senate? 

The routine business of the senate in presenting 
and passing bills is similar to that of the house. 

Is the previous question used in the senate? 

No, it is not used in the senate, but is it in the 
house. 

The president of the senate appoints three sen- 
ators on the board of regents of the Smithsonian 
institution ; also, other national institutions are 
represented by senators. 

Who presides over the senate in case the president of 
the United States is impeached f 

The chief justice of the supreme court of the 
United States. 

It has been decided by the senate that two-thirds 
of a quorum only were required to pass a bill over 
the President's veto, and not two-thirds of the 
whole senate. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 



L Signs of nobleness, like stars, shall shine on all deserved." 

Macbeth, 1:4. 



EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT. 

Who is the executive officer of the Federal Gov- 
ernment ? 

Art. II of the Constitution reads : " The execu- 
tive power shall be vested in a President of the 
United States of America." 

Who was our first President? 

George Washington, 1789. 

What are the qualifications of a President? 

He must be thirty-five years of age, a " native 
born citizen" and a resident of the United States 
fourteen years. 

For how long is he elected? 

Four years is a term and he may be re-elected. 

What salary does he receive ? 

#50,000 a year. 

Has this always been the salary of the President? ? 

No. In 1873 it was increased from #25,000 to 
#50,000. 

How is the President elected? 

By the people through the electors. (See Elec- 
toral College.) 

When does his term of office begin ? 

On the fourth of March following his election. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 31 

Who administers the oath of office to the President 
•on inauguration day f 

The Chief Justice of the United States. 
Where does he give his inaugural address f 

On the eastern steps of the Capitol. 
What is the oath f 

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will 
faithfully execute the office of President of the 
United States, and will, to the best of my ability, 
preserve, protect, and defend the constitution of 
the United States. 

After a bill has passed and becomes a law, what 
is the duty of the President ? 

" He shall take care that the law is faithfully 
executed." 

In case the President dies or the office becomes 
vacant, who becomes prestdentf 

The Vice-President fills the unexpired term. 

Have both offices ever been vacant at the same time? 

No. 

How many Presidents have died while in office '? 

Four ; Harrison, Taylor, Lincoln and Garfield. 

Name the order in which the office of President is 
filled if vacant by removal or death? 

By the Vice-President, and then by the Cabinet 
officers in the following order: Secretary of State, 
Treasurer, Secretary of War, Attorney General, 
Postmaster General, Secretary of the Navy, Sec- 
retary of the Interior, Secretary of Agriculture. 

What are some of the powers granted the President f 

"He shall have power to nominate, and by and 



32 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

with the advice and consent of the senate shall 
appoint ambassadors, other public ministers and 
consuls, judges of the supreme court, and all other 
officers of the United States whose appointments 
are not otherwise provided for, and which shall be 
established by law." 

u He shall have power to fill all vacancies that 
may happen during the recess of the Senate by 
granting commissions, which shall expire at the 
end of the next session." 

The President is commander-in-chief of the 
army and navy and the milita oi the several states 
when called into national service. 

He has power to grant reprieves and pardon for 
offences against the United States, except in cases 
of impeachment, with the consent of the senate. 

He has power to make treaties with foreign 
countries with the consent of the senate. 

He has power to call extra sessions of Congress. 

He appoints all the Cabinet officers. 

He gives to Congress from time to time inform- 
mation concerning the state of the Union. All 
orders, resolutions or acts passing both houses 
must be presented to the President, and he has the 
privilege of signing or not. 

In order that the President may be able to carry 
out all laws passed in congress, he has the privilege 
of appointing subordinate officers, the principal 
ones being called the cabinet officers. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 33 



VICE PRESIDENT. 

Who was our first Vice President ? 

John Adams, 1789. 

What are the qualifications of a Vice President ? 

The same as the President. 

What salary does he receive ? 

$8,000 a year. 

Who administers the oath of office to the Vice 
President f 

The retiring Vice President in the presence of 
congress, on March 4th. He takes the oath of 
office before the President is sworn. 

What does the Vice President do as soon as he has 
taken the oath ? 

After prayer by the chaplain he requests the 
new senators to come forward and take the oath of 
office. 

How many Vice Presidents have been called upon to 
finish out the presidential term? 

Four. 

Who were they? 

John Tyler, 1841; Millard Fillmore, 1850; 
Andrew Johnson, 1865 ; Chester A. Arthur, 1881. 

THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE. 

Are the Presidents a?id Vice-Presidents elected by the 
direct vote of the people ? 
No. 



34 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL. GOVERNMENT. 



How are they elected f 

By electors, elected by the people. 

How are these electors elected ? 

In every presidential election, or what is called 
presidential election, each state elects as many 
electors as they have senators and representatives 
in congress, and each elector has one vote. For 
instance, Ohio has twenty-one representatives 
and two senators in congress, therefore is entitled 
to twenty-three electors. 

To how many electors are the different States entitled? 

Alabama 11 Nebraska 8 

Arkansas 8 Nevada 3 



California 9 

Colorado 4 

Connecticut 6 

Delaware 8 

Florida 4 

Georgia ... 13 

Idaho 3 

Indiana 15 

Illinois 24 

Iowa 13 

Kansas 10 

Kentucky 13 

Louisiana 8 

Maiue 6 

Maryland 8 

Massachusetts 15 

Michigan 14 

Minnesota 9 

Mississippi 9 

Missouri 17 

Montana 3 



New Hampshire 4 

New Jersey 10 

New York 36 

North Carolina 11 

South Carolina 9 

North Dakota 3 

South Dakota 4 

Ohio 23 

Oregon 4 

Pennsylvania 32 

Rhode Island 4 

Tennessee . . . 12 

Texas 15 

Utah 3 

Vermont 4 

Virginia 12 

Washiugtou 4 

West Virginia 6 

Wisconsin 12 

Wyoming 3 



Is the electorial college a permanent body ? 

No, they are elected every four years and serve 
only in the casting of their ballots for the President 
and the Vice President, 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 35 

When does this election take place ? 

The first Tuesday after the first Monday in No- 
vember of every fourth year. This is the same in 
all states. 

Can a senator, representative or any person 
holding a position in the general government, serve 
as a presidential elector ? 

No. 

Where do the electors meet to cast their ballots ? 

Each state's electors meet at their respective 
capitols. 

When does this meeting take place ? 

Always in each state the second Monday in 
January, All of the electors meet at the same 
time. 

What is their order of conducting the electoral 
college f 

The college is organized, each elector takes the 
oath of office. The electors then vote for Presi- 
dent and Vice President. These votes are counted 
by tellers. When the vote has been counted 
three separate lists are made of all the persons 
voted for as President and Vice President and how 
many votes each received. These lists are sealed, 
signed and certified to by all the electors. 

What becomes of these three lists f 

One is sent by mail, and one is sent by a special 
messenger to the president of the United States 
Senate, and the third one is taken by a messenger 
and deposited with the United States District 
Court Judge of the district in which the Electors 
meet. 



36 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

How are the messengers elected ? 

By lot in the college. 

Are the electors paid a salary ? 

No. But their expenses are paid by the state. 

Why are three copies made ? 

In order to preserve the record and to provide 
against accident. 

What if the copies should fail to reach the president 
of the senate ? 

The secretary of the state is notified and he 
sends a messenger to procure the copy deposited 
with the district judge. 

When are these votes counted in congress ? 

The second Wednesday of February when the 
members of both houses meet in the house of 
representatives at 1 p. m. 

Who presides ? 

The president of the senate. 

The sealed envelopes are then opened by the 
president of the senate. As these are opened all 
the certificates and papers purporting to be certif- 
icates pf the electoral votes are acted upon in 
alphabetical order of the states, and are handed to 
the four tellers (two from each house), and read 
aloud. A list is made of the votes cast by each 
state and the result announced. 

The person voted Vor as President having the 
highest number of votes and a majority of all 
votes cast is elected. 

The Vice President is elected in the same way. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 37 

Suppose no one received a majority of the votes 
cast? 

There would be no election. 

In case of no election what would be done ? 

The house would then elect the President and 
the senate the Vice President. 

Why naturally would the house elect the President 
and the senate the Vice President f 

The President represents the nation and elected 
indirectly by the people, next to the electoral 
college would be the representatives, who have 
been elected directly by the people. As the Vice 
President is the president of the senate, if there is 
no election in the college the senate would natur- 
ally elect their own president. 

How does this election for President proceed? 

The house takes three persons who had received 
the highest number of votes in the electoral col- 
lege and proceeds to ballot. The votes are taken 
by states and the representation from each state 
has one vote. A quorum for this purpose consists 
of a member or members each from two-thirds of 
all the states. 

What vote in the house would then elect ? 

A majority of all the states. 

What would be done if the house failed to elect 
before the fourth of March ? 

The Vice President would act as President until 
one was elected. 

How many Presidents have been elected by the house ? 

Two. Thomas Jefferson and John Quincy 
Adams. 



38 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

In 1801 when the electoral votes were counted, 
Jefferson and Burr on the Republican ticket each 
received 73 votes, a tie ; John Adams 65 and 
Charles Pickney 65. As there was no election, the 
election was thrown into the house, which elected 
Thomas Jefferson. 

In 1825 the candidates in the electoral college 
received : Andrew Jackson ,99 ; John Quincy Adams, 
84 ; William Crawford, 42 votes. There being no 
election the house elected John Quincy Adams, 
although he did not receive the highest vote in the 
electoral college. 

Is the electoral college the same today that it was 
when the first President was elected? 

No. The electoral votes did not state whether 
the candidates named in them were candidates for 
the presidency or the vice presidency. Each 
elector in the college wrote two names. In the 
official count the candidate having the highest 
number of votes, providing he had a majority of 
all votes cast, would be declared President, and the 
candidate receiving the next highest was declared 
Vice President. This caused a good deal of dis- 
satisfaction ; so, in 1804 the 12th amendment was 
made to the constitution, which gives us our pres- 
ent system. 

What Vice President was elected in the senate ? 

Richard M. Johnson in 1837. 

How many electoral votes did Washington receive ? 

Sixty-nine. 

How many states voted for him ? 

All but New York, Rhode Island and North 
Carolina. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIE GOVERNMENT. 39 

MEMBERS OF THE CABINET. 

Who appoints the Cabinet f 
The President, and the senate confirms. 
Name the departments and when established f 
The department of state, July 27, 1789. 
The department of war, August 7, 1789. 
The treasury department, September 2, 1789. 
The post-office department, May 8, 1794. 
The department of the navy, April 30, 1798. 
The department of the interior, March 3, ] 849. 
The department of justice first in 1789 ; then 
June 22, 1870. 

The department of agriculture, Feb. 12, 1889. 

What is the salary of a cabinet officer ? 

$8,000 a year. The cabinet officers are consid- 
ered an advisory board, and each stands at the 
head of a department. 

The Secretary of State. Who was the first secre- 
tary of state ? 

Thomas Jefferson. 

What are the duties of the secretary of state ? 

He has charge of foreign affairs, and is the only 
officer who has the authority to communicate with 
other governments in the name of the president of 
the United States. He attends to the correspond- 
ence with the public ministers and consuls of the 
United States, giving them instructions abroad 
and takes a leading part in the negotiations ot 
treaties. He keeps the national archives, superin- 
tends the publication of laws, treaties, presidential 
messages, etc., and the proclamation declaiming 



40 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

the admission of new states into the union. He is 
the keeper of the great seal of the United States, 
and affixes it to all official papers. He must keep 
congress informed as to the relations between 
foreign countries and our own. 

Secretary of the Treasury. Who was the first 
secretary of the treasury? 

Alexander Hamilton. 

What are the duties of the secretary f 

He looks after the financial interests of our 
country, suggests plans for creating revenue, and 
maintaining the credit of the United States. He 
superintends the collection of the revenue. He 
grants warrants for all money drawn from the 
treasury, in accordance with the appropriations 
made from time to time by congress. 

He superintends the coinage, engraving and 
printing of money, the national banks, the custom 
house, coast survey and light house system, the 
marine hospitals and life saving service and is the 
supervising inspector general of steam boats. 

He also looks after and pays the interest on the 
national debt. 

Though there are many in the Treasury depart- 
ment to carry out the work, such as Secretaries, 
Auditors, a Registrar, a Comptroller, Clerk, etc., 
the Secretary of the Treasury has a general super- 
vision over it all. 

Through this department all money due the 
Government is received. 

The treasurer has in charge the receiving and 
disbursement of all public moneys that are depos- 
ited in the treasury at Washington and the sub- 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 41 

treasuries at Boston, New York, Baltimore, Phila- 
delphia, New Orleans, San Francisco, St. Louis, 
Chicago, and Cincinnati ; also, the national bank 
United States depositories ; is trustee for the bonds 
held to secure national bank circulation and public 
deposits in national banks, etc. 

What are some of the duties of a registrar ? 

He keeps an account of all receipts and expendi- 
tures of the Government except those belonging to 
the Postoffice department. He signs and issues 
all bonds of the United States; his name is upon 
bonds and United States notes ; his books at any 
time must show the financial condition of the gov- 
ernment. 

What are some of the duties of the comptroller 
of the treasury? 

He is required to give his decision upon the 
validity of a payment to be made, to approve, dis- 
approve or modify all decisions of the auditors. 

"The comptroller passes upon the sufficiency of 
■authorities to indorse drafts and receive and receipt 
for money from the government and upon the evi- 
dence presented in application for duplicates of 
lost or destroyed U. S. bonds, drafts, checks, etc.'' 

The comptroller of currency has charge of the 
national banking system, to see that the law is 
■complied with in organizing and carrying on na- 
tional banks. He sees that national bank ac- 
counts are examined by agents and makes regular 
reports. 

He has charge of printing bank notes and deliv- 
ering the same. 



42 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

How many auditors in the treasury department ? 
The business of the entire Treasury department 
is audited by six auditors. * 

What are the duties of the Director of the mint? 

He has the supervision of all mints and assay 
officers in the United States and receives for adjust- 
ment the accounts of the mints and assay offices, 
etc. He tests the weights and fineness of coins, etc. 

What other departments of the treasury besides 
these already given? 

A commissioner of internal revenue, who super- 
intends the collection of duties and taxes levied by 
congress. 

A solicitor of the treasury who looks after the 
attempted frauds of the custom revenue. As law 
officer of the treasury department many matters 
are referred to him under the customs, navigation, 
banking and registration laws. 

What is the purpose of the bureau of printing 
and engraving ? 

It is where engraving and printing designs for 
the government are made, such as United States 
notes, bonds and certificates, national bank notes, 
internal revenue and custom stamps, treasury 
drafts and checks, disbursing officers' checks, li- 
cences, commissions, patent and pension certifi- 
cates, etc., etc. 

What is the purpose of the bureau of statistics? 

It is where reports of trade and commerce of the 
country are kept. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIE GOVERNMENT. 43 

What do the ''scales" on the seal of the U. S. 
Treasury represent ? 

They represent justice, the "key" security and 
the ' 'rule" exactness. 

The Secretary of War. Who was the first secre- 
tary of war ? 

Henry Knox of Kentucky. 

What are the duties of the secretary of war ? 

He has charge of the military affairs of the 
country; carries out the orders of the president 
concerning the military service ; has supervision of 
all the estimates for appropriations for the expenses 
of the department ; purchases army supplies and 
attends to the transportation of armies. 

He, also, has supervision of the military academy 
at West Point; also, the national cemeteries. 

Secretary of the Navy. What are the duties of the 

secretary of navy ? 

Under the directions of the president of the 
United States, he has general supervision of the 
navy department, such as constructing, manning 
and equipping vessels of war. 

How many divisions in the department ? 

There are eight departments under the heads of 
bureaus. Bureaus of yards and docks ; equipments 
and recruiting ; navigation ; ordnance ; construction 
and repair ; steam engineering ; provisions and 
clothing; medicine and surgery. 

The naval observatory at Washington is under 
the direction of the secretary of the navy. 



44 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

The Attorney General. What are the duties of the 

attorney general ? 

He is the legal adviser and is at the head of the 
department of justice. He has the general super- 
intendency of the United States attorneys and mar- 
shals in all the judicial districts in the states and 
territories. He represents the United States in 
all suits at law with the government; he gives his 
advice and opinion when asked by the head of any 
department or by the president. He examines 
titles to lands for the erection of public buildings, 
etc. 

Who was the first attorney general under Washing- 
ton ? 

Edmund Randolph of Virginia. 

The Secretary of the Interior. What are his duties? 

He has general supervision of public business 
relating to patents for inventions ; pensions and 
bounty lands ; the public lands and surveys ; the 
Indians ; education ; railroad ; geographical sur- 
vey; the census ; the Hot Spring reservations in 
Arkansas; Yellow Stone national park in Wyoming; 
and the Yosemite, Sequoia and General Grant 
parks in California ; the distribution of appropri- 
ations for agricultural and mechanical policies in 
the states and territories, etc. 

The Post=Master General. Who was the first 
Post-master general f 

Samuel Osgood of Massachusetts, appointed in 
1789. 

What are the duties of the post-master general* 

He has full direction and management of the 
post office department. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIIi GOVERNMENT. 45 

Who appoints the four assistant post-master gen- 
erals f 

The president with the consent of the senate. 
The post-master general appoints all other officers 
and employes and all postmasters whose compen- 
sations do not exceed $1,000. All others are ap- 
pointed by the president and senate. The secre- 
tary controls the style of postage stamps and 
envelopes made by the government. Prescribes 
the rules and regulations for the entire postal 
system. 

With the consent of the president the post- 
master general makes postal treaties with foreign 
governments. 

What are some of the postal laws f 

No post office can be kept in a bar room. E very- 
letter carrier must give bonds with security to be 
approved by the post-master general for the safe 
delivery of mail. Letter carriers are approved by 
the post-master general upon the recommenda- 
tions of the post-master. The post-master general 
may prescribe a uniform dress to be worn by letter 
carriers, and anyone wearing this uniform not con- 
nected with the postal service is liable to a fine of 
not more than $100 or imprisonment of six months 
or both. 

Special Delivery Service. What are post roads ? 

They are thoroughfares by land or water over 
which mail travels. Mails must go on the fastest 
trains. Railroads carry mail by weight so much 
for every hundred pounds. There are four classes 
of mail. First class contains written matter. 
Second class periodical publications. Third class 



46 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

miscellaneous printed matter. Fourth class mer- 
chandise. Postal cards cannot be issued by private 
parties. 

What are the mail rates ? 

The letter rate is two cents for every ounce or 
fraction of an ounce. Periodicals, magazines, etc., 
are one cent a pound when sent from a registered 
publishing house or news agency, otherwise they 
are one cent for four ounces. Books are one cent 
for every two ounces or fraction of an ounce. 
Merchandise is one cent an ounce, limited to four 
pound packages. Circulars and printed matter in 
an unsealed envelope are one cent for two ounces. 

Secretary of Agriculture. The secretary of agri- 
eulture has charge of what business ? 

Of all public business pertaining to the agricul- 
tural industry. He has supervision over all agri- 
cultural experiment stations, that are supported 
by the government. He superintends the gathering 
and printing of all agricultural statistics and the 
distribution of valuable seeds, etc., for experiment 
and improvement of production. The weather 
bureau since 1891 has been under this department. 
The assistant secretary of agriculture and clerk of 
the weather bureau are appointed by the president. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 47 



MILITARY AND NAVAL ACADEMIES. 

When was the military academy established at West 
Point, N. V. ? 

In 1802, by an act of congress. 

How many students are allowed there ? 

The present corps of cadets is one from each 
congressional district, one from the District of 
Columbia, and ten from the United States at large. 

How are they appointed '? 

By the president. 

At what age can a young man enter the academy t 

He must be between the ages of seventeen and 
twenty-two, and must pledge himself, with the 
consent of his parents, to serve eight years. 

How is this academy supported? 

By the government. Each cadet is allowed his 
entire expenses of clothing, etc. The allowance 
since 1876 has been $540.00 a year. 

Name the rank of army officers. 

Major-general, brigadier-general, colonel, lieu- 
tenant-colonel, major, captain, regimental adju- 
tant, regimental quarter-master, 1st lieutenant, 
2nd lieutenant, chaplain. 

Where is our naval academy established? 

At Annapolis, Md. It was established in 1845 
by Hon. George Bancroft, secretary of the navy. 

How old must candidates for admission be f 

They must be between fifteen and eighteen 
years of age. They remain in the institution for 



48 EASY LESSONS IN OIVIE GOVERNMENT. 

four years before they are examined for admission 
into the navy as midshipmen. 

Name the rank of the navy officers. 

Admiral, rear-admiral, commodore, captain, 
commander, lieutenant-commander, lieutenant, 
master, ensign. 

DIPLOMATIC SERVICE. 

Who has charge of the diplomatic service of the 
United States f 

The secretary of state. 

How are our interests represented in foreign countries ? 

By ambassadors, envoys extraordinary, ministers 
plenipotentiary, ministers resident, consuls-gen- 
eral, consuls and commercial agents. 

How are they appointed? 

By the president. 

What is meant by ambassador? 

An ambassador is a diplomatic agent of the 
highest rank, employed to represent officially a 
sovereign nation at a foreign court. 

What countries are represented by United States 
ambassadors ? 

Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico 
and Russia. 

What are envoys extraordinary and ministers 
plenipotentiary ? 

In diplomacy that is the full title of ministers 
of the second grade resident in a foreign country, 
next in dignity to an ambassador. They act as 
the agents for communication and the transaction 
of business between the two governments. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 49 

What country sent the first diplomatic representative 
to this country f 

France in 1778. 

The whole consular service is the great factor 
in looking after our entire foreign affairs. We 
have more than twelve hundred persons connected 
with our government, located in the important 
cities and towns of the world. 

In how many countries are we represented f 

Forty-three. 

How many countries ate represented in this country f 

Thirty-nine. 

How are they supported? 

By a salary paid by the country sending them. 

How are they recognized in the country to which they 
are sent? 

They are known by their credentials. These 
credentials of foreign ministers are presented to 
the secretary of state and examined. 



50 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 



JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT. 

What is meant by the judicial department ? 

The constitution says: "The judicial power of 
the United States shall be vested in one supreme 
court, and in such inferior courts as the congress 
may from time to time, ordain or establish. " 

How are the federal courts divided f 

Into three classes. 

The supreme court, the circuit court, and the 
district court. 

When was the first supreme court held ? 

In 1790 in New York. 

How many members of the supreme court ? 

Nine. Each judge is also presiding judge of a 
circuit court. 

How many in the original supreme court ? 

Six. 

How are they appointed? 

By the president and confirmed by the senate. 

How long do the judges of both the supreme and 
circuit courts hold office f 

For life or during good behavior. The judges 
of the federal courts can only be removed by im- 
peachment and conviction by the senate. 

If a judge has attained the age of seventy-five 
years and has served two consecutive years, he may 
retire on full pay. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 51 

What salary do the judges of the supreme court 
receive ? 

#10,500 for the chief justice and the associate 
judges $10,000, each, per year. 

What are the powers of the supreme court f 

See Constitution. 
When does the supreme court meet f 

At Washington in the capitol in a chamber 
formerly occupied by the senate. The session 
convenes the second Monday in October and con- 
tinues until July of every year. The justices all 
wear black gowns and are the only public officers 
who use any official dress. 

How many constitute a quorum to render a court de- 
cision ? 

Six. 

In any case given to the supreme court of the United 
States, is the decision final? 

Yes. Every case is discussed by the whole body 
twice, once to get the opinion of the majority, 
and then to take final action. 

How many circuit courts have we ? 

Nine. Each presiding judge is assisted by 
special circuit judges. These courts are held 
annually. We have now seventy-two district 
courts, nine circuit courts, nine appellate courts, 
the court of the District of Columbia, territorial 
courts, the court of claims, and consular courts. 

How are the district courts, circuit courts and courts 
of appeals regulated? 

By congress. These courts are established to 
relieve the supreme court. 



52 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

What states are classed together in the nine circuit 
courts ? 

The first judicial circuit: the districts of Maine, 
New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island ; 
Justice Grey. 

The second judicial circuit : the districts of Ver- 
mont, New York, Connecticut ; Justice Peckham. 

The third judicial circuit : the districts of New 
Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware ; Justice Shiras. 

The fourth judicial circuit : the districts of 
Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Caro- 
lina, South Carolina ; Chief Justice Fuller. 

The fifth judicial circuit : The districts of 
Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, 
Texas ; Justice White. 

The sixth judicial circuit: The districts of Ohio, 
Michigan, Kentucky, Tennessee ; Justice Harlan. 

The seventh judicial circuit : The districts of 
Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin ; Justice Brown. 

The eighth judicial circuit : The districts of 
Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyom- 
ing, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, 
Utah, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Indian Territory ; 
Justice Brewer. 

The ninth judicial circuit : The districts of Cali- 
fornia, Montana, Washington, Oregon, Nevada ; 
Justice McKenna. 

The circuit courts sit in the several districts of 
each circuit, successively and the law requires that 
each justice of the supreme court shall sit in each 
district of his circuit at least once in every two 
years. 

Are there other circuit judges appoitited? 

Yes, two or more for each circuit. 



EASY EESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 53 

At what salary f 

$6,000 each. 

Who, by virtue of his office, is presiding judge of the 
circuit court f 

One of the justices of the supreme court. 

The circuit court may be held by the circuit 
judge alone, or by the supreme court circuit judge 
alone, or by both together, or by either sitting 
alone with the district judge of the district court. 

What are the district courts ? 

They are the third and lowest of the federal 
courts. 

How many judicial districts have wef 

Seventy-two. Each state is entitled to at least 
one district. 

How many district judges are there? 

Sixty-three. Some of the judges must preside 
over two districts. 

Each district also has its district attorney. 

What are the duties of the district attorney f 

To prosecute offenders against federal laws and 
to conduct civil cases in which the government is 
either defendant or plaintiff. 

The district attorney is the United States law 
officer for that district. 

The court of claims meets in Washington and 
decides what claims against the United States 
should be paid. 

What salary do the judges of the court of claims re- 
ceive ? 

#4,500 a year each. 



64 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

What salary do the district judges receive ? 

$5,000 each. 

How are the United States commissioners appointed? 

By the circuit judges. 

Bach of the seventy-two districts have a district 
marshal and a district attorney. 

How are these appointed ? 

By the president. 

What power has the United States marshal ? 

He is the executive officer of the circuit and dis- 
trict courts and stands in a similar relation to these 
that a sheriff does to a county. 

When was the circuit court of appeals established f 

In 1891. 

What are consular courts ? 

They are courts in some cases held by American 
consuls in foreign countries. Usually these cases 
are troubles arising in commercial transactions and 
are often decided by this court. 

CIVIL SERVICE. 

What do we mean by civil service ? 

That all efficient appointed officers should be 
retained in service, regardless of politics, during 
good behavior. 

What does our civil service include ? 

All government employes except military and 
naval officers. It is generally applied to appointed 
officers and employes in the executive branch of 
the government and not to the legislature or ju- 
diciary departments. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 55 

Who was the first president to depart from the 
principles of early civil service? 

Jefferson, when the " spoils system " was intro- 
duced. The evil of it continued until 1865 when 
a bill was introduced to reform the civil service. 
In 1871 an act was passed giving the president 
authority to make rules for admission into the 
civil service. 

What was then done ? 

A civil service commission was appointed with 
George William Curtis at its head. 

What were its duties ? 

To introduce tests of fitness of applicants. 
How long did this continue ? 

Until 1873, when congress discontinued the 
appropriation for this commission. 

What bill pertaining to civil service reform passed in 
18839 

The "Pendleton act,'' introduced by Senator 
Pendleton of Ohio. 

What did this act provide ? 

It provided for a civil service commission of 
three representing both parties, which should pro- 
vide competitive examinations for entrance into 
such classes of the civil service as the president 
designates. 

Do all applicants for government positions in all the 
departments have to be examined? 

Yes, except as stated above, and if they pass a 
written examination, they are listed and from this 
list of persons thus qualified the appointments are 
made. 



56 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

What important departments come under civil service ? 

The department service, the fpostoffice service, 
the government printing service^and internal rev- 
enue service. 

Can a person in the civil service become a mem- 
ber of congress at the same time ? 

No. 

THE SIGNAL SERVICE. 

What are the uses of the signal service? 

This service is based on the science of meteor- 
ology and those engaged in it are largely occupied 
with the study of weather changes, and the laws 
of storms, their origin and progress. 

When was the signal service i?istitttted ? 

At the beginning of the civil war, and was first 
used solely for military purposes. 

How is it still conducted f 

By the war department. It now estimates the 
weather probabilities based on scientific observa- 
tions, and daily reports are published all over the 
country. 

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

How is the District of Columbia governed? 

Congress has exclusive control of the District. 
The civil government of the District is vested in 
three commissioners, two of whom are appointed 
by the president with the consent of the senate for 
three years, the third is an officer of the army 
belonging to the engineer's corps, detailed by the 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 57 

president for this service. The duties of these 
commissioners are the same as those usually per- 
formed by the mayors and boards of aldermen. 

How are the expenses met f 

The expenses of the District Government are 
equally divided between the United States congress 
and the property owners of the District. 

Can the people of the District vote f 
No. Not in the District. 

To what states did the District of Columbia 
formerly belong f 

Maryland and Virginia. 
How large was the original District ? 
One hundred square miles. 
How tafge is it now t 
Less than seventy. 

When did congress move to Washington f 
In 1800. 

Has the District, at any time, been represented in 
congress ? 

Yes, by a delegate. 

When did the District have a territorial form of 
government t 

In 1871 the president and senate appointed a 
governor and a council, and the people elected a 
house of delegates and a delegate to congress. 

Did this prove a success f 

No; it was abolished in 1874. 



58 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 



TERRITORIES. 

Have all the states in the Union once been 
territories f 

All except the thirteen original states. 

How many classes of territories have we now ? 
Two, organized and unorganized. 

What is the form of government in an organized 
territory ? 

An organized territory has a governor, judges,, 
secretary of territory and attorney. All appointed 
by the president and confirmed by the senate. 

For how long are they appointed ? 
For a term of four years. 
How are they paid ? 
From the national treasury. 

Of what does the government of a territory con- 
sist f 

Of legislative, executive and judicial branches. 

How is the legislative divided? 

Into two houses, called the council and house of 
representatives. 

How are the members of the legislature elected? 
By the qualified electors in the districts of the 
territory. 

Can the territories make their ozvn laivs ? 
Laws passing their legislature are subject to the 
approval of congress. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 59" 

How is an organized territory represented in congress f 

A territory having 5,000 male inhabitants is en- 
titled to a delegate to congress. 

What are the privileges of a delegate ? 

He can debate motions but cannot vote. He can 
be appointed on committees. 

How is he elected f 

The territorial delegate is elected by the vote 
within the territory. 

Do territories elect electors and have an electorial col- 
lege to vote for president f 

No, they have nothing to do with electing the 
president or vice-president. 

How are the territories divided f 

Into three judicial districts. Each territory has 
a supreme court and three district courts; — also, 
there are justices' courts. 

How many organized territories have we now f 
(ipoo) 

Four. Oklahoma, Arizona, New Mexico and 
Hawaii. 

How many delegates in congress ? 

Four. 

How can a territory become a state ? 

The first act of the territory is to petition con- 
gress through their delegate for admission into the 
Union. 

What is done with the petition ? 

Congress refers it to the committee on territories. 
The committee presents a bill which if passed de- 
fines the boundaries and decides on the name of 



60 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

the state, and also gives the territory the power to 
elect delegates to the convention to prepare a con- 
stitution for the state. 

What are the special requirements in this act of 
congress ? 

That the constitution for the new state must be 
republican in form, and it must be in harmony 
with the constitution of the United States and 
declaration of independence. 

How are the delegates to this convention elected? 
By the voters. 
What do they do ? 
Frame a constitution. 

What is then done with this proposed constitution t 
It is submitted to the electors of the territory to 
be voted on. 

What is next done ? 

If the constitution is adopted by a majority of 
electors, the governor of the territory sends a copy 
of the adopted constitution to the president ot the 
United States, and if he finds that it complies with 
the requirements made by congress he issues a 
proclamation declaring the territory admitted as a 
state into the union. The people of the state then 
elect the officers. 

What is an unorganized territory f 
An unorganized territory is subject only to the 
laws of congress. 

What territory belongs to this class f 
The Indian territory. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 61 

How is Alaska governed? 

Alaska is governed entirely by congress with a 
governor appointed by the president and senate. 
Alaska has no legislature. 

NATURALIZATION. 

How many years must a foreigner remain in 
this country before he can take out naturalization 
papers and become a citizen f 

He must reside in the United States five years, 
and one year in the state or territory where he 
asks for admission to citizenship. 

What must he do two years before he is admitted to 
citizenship ? 

He must renounce allegiance to any foreign 
prince or state. 

Can foreigners vote at state elections before they take 
out their naturalization papers ? 

That is governed by the laws of the states. In 
more than one-third cf the states the election fran- 
chise is granted foreigners, before they are natural- 
ized, by declaring their intention of becoming 
American citizens. 

If naturalized citizens go abroad are they stilt 
protected by the United States f 

Yes: the statutes of the United States say that 
" all naturalized citizens of the United States while 
in foreign countries are entitled to and shall receive 
from this government the same protection of per- 
son and property which is accorded to native-born 
citizens." 



62 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

Where is the largest library building in the world f 
The library of congress at Washington, which 
has a capacity of five million volumes. This is 
considered the most gorgeous building in America. 

When was the library of congress established? 

By an act of congress in 1800. 

When was it destroyed? 

When the British burned the capitol in 1814. 
It was re-established by congress in the same year 
in the central capitol building. 

When was it again partially destroyed by fire ? 
In 1851. 

What act was passed in 1824. ? 
An act to appropriate five thousand dollars an- 
nually for the purchase of library books. 

What did the present library cost f 
#5,700,000. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 63 



OUR FLAG. 

Flag of the free hearts hope and home ! 
By angel hands to valor given ; 
Thy stars have lit the welkin dome, 
And all thy hues were born in heaven. 
Forever float that standard sheet 
Where breathes the foe but falls before us, 
With freedom's soil beneath our feet 
And freedom's banner streaming o'er us ? 

— Joseph Rodman Drake. 

When was our American flag adopted by the conti- 
nental congress ? 

June 14th, 1777. 
What decree was issued in this congress ? 

"That the flag of the United States be thirteen 
stripes, alternate red and white ; that the union be 
thirteen stars, white on a blue field, representing 
a new constellation." 

During the early days of the revolution what flag 
was used? 

Various designs were made and used. The flag 
used by the Americans at the battle of Bunker 
Hill was called the "New England Flag." This 
was a blue ground with the red cross of St. George 
in the corner and in the upper staff" corner a green 
pine tree. Different flags were designed and used 
until 1775, when congress appointed a committee 
to make a design for a union flag. 

Who was on this committee ? 

Dr. Franklin, who suggested they visit General 
Washington to get his opinion on a design. 



64 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVEBNMENT. 

A design was finally submitted to the committee, 
the committee submitted it to Mrs. Betsey Ross, 
who was a seamstress. She made suggestions for 
the present flag and made the first American flag 
with stars and stripes. 

What act was passed April, 1818, pertaining to this 
flag? 

That the number of stripes be limited to thirteen 
and the number of stars increase with the number 
of states ; that is, a new star was to be added on 
the fourth of July next succeeding the admission 
of any new state. 

Who is supposed to have first unfurled the national 

flag? 

Paul Jones on the Ranger (a naval vessel), on 
the day congress passed the resolution to adopt it 
as the national flag. 

Is the flag always displayed on the capitol building 
while congress is in session ? 

Yes. 

LIBERTY BELL. 

What is the liberty bell? 

It is the bell that announced the Declaration of 
Independence in 1776. 

Where was this bell cast f 

Originally in London in 1752 and recast in 
Philadelphia in 1753, and hung in the Pennsyl- 
vania state house, afterwards known as Independ- 
ence Hall. 

What is inscribed on the bell ? 

"Proclaim liberty throughout all the land, unto 
all the inhabitants thereof." 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. . 65 

When was it cracked? 

July 8th, 1835, while being tolled in memory of 
Chief Justice Marshall. 

What became of this bell? 

It is still kept in Independence Hall in Philadel- 
phia. 

A new bell was made to take the place of the 
old one in 1828. 

When was another bell made and called the "new 
liberty bell?" 

In 1892. It was made from various pieces and 
kinds of money and metal presented by the people 
of the United States for the purpose. It was ex- 
hibited and dedicated at the World's Fair in 1893. 

THE GREAT SEAL OF THE UNITED STATES. 

When was the United States seal adopted? 

In 1782— June 20th. 

Who designed the seal? 

On July 4th, 1776, congress appointed Benja- 
min Franklin, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson 
a committee to prepare a device for the seal. 
After several designs were submitted the present 
one was adopted. 

What does the seal represent? 

It represents a spread eagle, the emblem of 
strength, wearing on its breast an escutcheon of 
thirteen stripes, alternate red and white like the 
national flag. In its right talon the eagle holds 
an olive branch, the emblem of peace, and in its 
left talon are thirteen arrows representing the 
6 



66 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

thirteen states. In its beak is a scroll with the 
motto " E Pluribus Unum," meaning ll many in 
one," — many states, one nation. Over the head is 
a golden light breaking through a cloud and sur- 
rounding thirteen stars, forming a constellation on 
a blue ground. On the reverse is an unfinished 
pyramid, representing the unfinished republic, also 
its strength and duration. Above the pyramid is 
an eye, denoting the all-seeing eye of Providence, 
and over this are the words " Annuit Coeptis" — 
w God favors the undertaking." On the base of 
the pyramid is the Roman date of 1776, and below 
the pyramid are the words, " Novus ordo sec- 
torum " — " A new order of the age." The latter 
was for a pendant seal, not now used. The re- 
cumbent seal, the obverse above described, being 
always used. 



LIBERTY ENLIGHTENING THE WORLD. 

Where is the statue of ' ' Liberty enlightening the 
world" placed? 

In the harbor of the city of New York. 

When did we get it ? 

It was given to the people of the United States 
by the people of France in 1876. 

This statue is typical of the friendship of two 
powerful nations. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIIi GOVERNMENT. 67 



DUTY, TAX, SINGLE TAX, ETC. 

What is tax ? 

Tax is a charge made by the government against 
the people or property for the support of the gov- 
ernment. 

What is duty f 

Duty is a charge laid on articles taken out of or 
brought into a country. 

What is import duty ? 

A tax levied on goods brought into a country. 

What is an excise tax ? 

A tax levied on manufactured articles within a 
country. 

A schedule of duties placed by the government 
on goods either exported or imported. Tariffs are 
denned as tariff for revenue and tariff for protec- 
tion. Our tariff is a duty charged for placing on 
the American market, goods of foreign manufac- 
ture. 

What is a protective tariff r ? 

A tariff on articles which are imported from 
abroad and which are also produced in this coun- 
try, that the American manufacturer with higher 
rates of wages and interest to pay than his foreign 
competitor, may, nevertheless compete with him 
in the American market. 

What is meant by tariff for revenue only ? 

It means a tariff that provides revenue for the 
government without intentionally giving protec- 
tion to domestic industries. 



68 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL, GOVERNMENT. 

What is free trade 1 

Free trade is that theory whose purpose is to 
secure by import duties, money to pay government 
expenses by the least possible interference of ex- 
change. In such a case the duties are mainly 
laid on articles not produced in this country, and 
which therefore can not materially effect natural 
prices for most articles. 

What is an income tax ? 

A tax imposed on all incomes over a certain 
sum per annum. 

What is revenue ? 

It is the annual income of a country derived 
from taxation, customs, (excise or other sources,) 
and appropriated to the payment of the national 
expense. The revenue of the United States is 
derived from the customs, internal revenue, direct 
tax, public lands and other sources. 

What are customs ? 

Duties coming from taxes on importations. 

What is internal revenue ? 

Revenue coming from taxes on spirits and fer- 
mented liquors, tobacco and the products manu- 
factured from it, revenue stamps on leases, insur- 
ances, bank checks, telegrams, patent medicines 
and all other things where the government requires 
a revenue stamp affixed. 

What is direct tax ? 

Direct tax is upon the person or estate of a 
citizen, such as houses, lands, moneys, etc. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 



SINGLE TAX FROH A SINGLE TAXER'S STANDPOINT. 

What is the single tax ? 

It is a moral and fiscal form promulgated by 
Henry George. 

What is its fundamental principle ? 
The self evident truth that all men are created 
equal, and are endowed by their Creator with cer- 
tain inalienable rights. 

What are these rights f 

The equal right to the use and enjoyment of 
what God has created and what is gained by the 
general growth and improvement of the community 
of which they are a part. 

How is it proposed to enforce these rights ? 

No one should be permitted to hold natural 
opportunities without a fair return to all for any 
special privilege thus accorded him, and that value 
which the growth and improvement of the com- 
munity attaches to land should be taken for the 
use of the community ; that each is entitled to all 
his labor produces ; therefore no tax should be 
levied on the products of labor. 

How should taxes be levied! 

By raising all public revenues for national, 
state, county and municipal purposes by a single 
tax upon land values, irrespective of improve- 
ments, and all the obligations of all forms of direct 
and indirect taxation. 



70 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL. GOVERNMENT. 

How should the single tax be instituted ? 

By the simple and easy way of abolishing, one 
after another, all other taxes now levied and com- 
mensurately increasing the tax on land values, un- 
til we draw upon that one source for all expenses 
of government. 

How would this affect the ownership of land! 

It would not disturb existing titles, but, would 
make the holding of land unprofitable to the mere 
owner, and profitable only to the user. Thus mak- 
ing speculation in land impossible. 

What is the position of single taxes on monopolies ; 
such as telegraph tines y railroads, water and gas 
supplies, etc! 

Such business as requires a grant from the peo- 
ple for its operation becomes a proper social func- 
tion which should be controlled and managed by 
and for the whole people concerned through their 
proper government, — local, state or national, — as 
may be. 

How would the single tax affect agricultural dis- 
tricts ? 

It would take the weight of taxation of the agri- 
cultural districts where land has a little or no value 
irrespective of improvements and put it on towns 
and cities where bare land rises to a value of mil- 
lions of dollars per acre. 

For further information read the works of Henry 
George and * 'National Taxation," by Thomas G. 
Shearman. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVEBNMENT. 71 



COPYRIGHTS. 

What is a copyright f 

The exclusive right to print and dispose of copies 
of an intellectual production. 

The authors of books, maps, engravings, pic- 
tures, etc. , may obtain the exclusive right to print 
and sell the same for a period of twenty-eight 
years. The copyright may be renewed for fourteen 
years longer. 

How may a copyright be obtained f 

Two copies must be deposited with the librarian 
of congress at Washington, D. C, and the legal 
fee of fifty cents for recording. The certificate is 
also fifty cents. 

Can copyrights be granted on trade marks ? 

No; but if protection for names and labels is 
desired they must be registered at the Patent office, 
with a fee of six dollars for labels and twenty-five 
dollars for trade marks. 

What, special act was passed in congress in 1891 f 
Granting the privilege of copyright to foreigners 
of nations whose governments gave American citi- 
zens the same privilege. 



72 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 



PATENTS. 

What do we mean by patents ? 
Giving the inventor the exclusive right of mak- 
ing and selling his inventions. 

Where are they secured? 

Applications of patents are made to the commis- 
sioner of patents, at Washington, D. C. 

For how long do they run ? 

For seventeen years ; they may then be renewed 
by an improvement in the invention. 

MONEY. 

What is money ? 

Any thing that serves as a common medium of 
exchange and measure of value. 

Who alone has authority to coin money? 

Congress. 

What is currency ? 

Any medium of exchange that is current, whether 
it be coin, paper or commodities. It is however 
commonly applied in this country to paper money. 

How many kinds of paper money in this country ? 

Four : Treasury notes, national bank notes, 
gold certificates and silver certificates. 

What are treasury notes ? 

United States bills issued on the credit of the 
government. These notes are legal tender at 



EASY EESSONS IN CIVIE GOVERNMENT. 73 

their face value for all debts public and private, 
-except duties on imports and interest on the pub- 
lic debt. 

What are national bank notes ? 

They are notes issued by the national banks and 
guaranteed by the government, the banks deposit- 
ing United States bonds as security. 

These notes are legal tender in payment of taxes 
and dues to the government and for all dues from 
the United States to the individual, except, they 
are not legal tender for import duties, interest on 
the public debt or between individuals. 

What are gold and silver certificates ? 

They are notes issued by the government 
against deposits of gold and silver coin or bullion 
and may -be exchanged for such on demand. 

What are the corns f 

Gold, silver, nickel and copper. 

What is a legal tender, in payment of all debts 
public and private under all circumstances and con- 
ditions ? 

Gold coin. 

What money was used previous to the Revolution- 
ary war? 

Mostly foreign. Principally, English coins and 
•Spanish mill dollars ; also, some paper money 
issued by the assemblies of the different colonies, 
and based on the credit of the colony issuing. 

When were our mints for coining established? 

In 1792 by act of congress. Many experiments 
were made in coinage, but nothing actually estab- 
lished until 1794. 



74 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

Where was the first mint established? 
In Philadelphia. 

Where are our mints for coining money now located? 
At Philadelphia, San Francisco, New Orleans 
and Carson City. 

Where are our assay offices t 

New York ; Charlotte, North Carolina ; Boise 
City, Idaho; and Denver, Colorado. 

When was silver first coined in the United States ? 

In 1792. Gold was coined the following year. 

What is bimetallism ? 

It is a name given to a monetary system in 
which both gold and silver are on precisely the 
same footing as regards mintage and legal tender. 

What is monometallism ? 

The doctrine that only one metal should be nsed 
as a standard of value. 

What is meant by the gold standard ? 

It means that gold is made the legal measure of 
all moneys and values. 

What is meant by free coinage of silver ? 

It means the coinage into money of silver bul- 
lion by any one presenting the same at the United 
States mint for that purpose. 

What is the present ratio of gold and silver ? 

16 to 1. 

What is meant by coinage of gold and silver 16 to if 

It means that a silver dollar shall contain six- 
teen times the weight of silver that a gold dollar 
contains of gold. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 75 

When was the first greenback issued f 

In 1862. 

What is "fiat" money ? 

Any currency whether paper or metal that is 
placed in circulation and maintained as legal ten- 
der by command of the government. 

When was "fiat" money first issued in this country T 

Fiat money in small amounts was issued by 

Pennsylvania and other colonies long before the 

revolutionary war. This money was suppressed 

by the English crown. 

During the revolutionary war the continental 
congress issued fiat money of different denomina- 
tions, but the congress having no power to levy 
taxes and being obliged to furnish resources, is- 
sued large amounts which the colonial govern- 
ment could not redeem and they became worth- 
less in 1780. The English government counter- 
feited them by the millions. Without this fiat 
money the continental army would have failed and 
independence not have been achieved. 

What can be done with greenbacks that are 
burned ? 

The charred and blackened remains are sent to 
the treasury for replacement. The indentification 
of these bills so burned is in the hands of an ex- 
pert woman in the comptroller's office. 

What can be done with mutilated paper money ? 

When the paper money becomes dirty and torn 
and it is presented to the United States treasury ^ 
new notes may be exchanged for them. 



76 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

What becomes of the old money ? 

Every working day one million dollars are de- 
stroyed after a proper record has been made of the 
old bills. They are placed in large chests and car- 
ried to the basement of the treasury building and 
at 2 p. m. each day three officials meet, one repre- 
senting the secretary of the treasury, one of the 
treasurer of the United States, and the third the 
comptroller of currency. Each bank whose 
money is to be destroyed is required to have a 
representative present to see that the money is 
properly disposed of. These old bills are then 
put in a hopper with a large revolving cylinder 
containing steam and chemicals, which converts 
the paper into a soft pulp which, afterwards is 
sold. 

What are government bonds ? 

They are bonds issued by the government as 
evidence of indebtedness for money it has bor- 
rowed or for obligations it has assumed. 

The weight of a gold dollar is 25.8 grains. 
Amount of fine gold is 23.22 grains and the re- 
mainder is copper alloy. The gold dollar is the 
unit and standard of value although the actual 
coinage of the $1.00 gold piece was discontinued in 
1890. The weight of a silver dollar is 412^ 
grains ; of this 371 J^ grains is fine silver and 41 ]^ 
grains copper alloy. Standard bullion contains 
900 parts of pure gold and 100 parts copper alloy. 
The coining value of an ounce of pure gold is 
$20.67183, and the coinage value of an ounce of 
standard gold is $18.60465. The coining value in 
standard silver dollars of an ounce of pure silver is 
$1.2929, and the coining value of an ounce of 
standard silver is $1.1636. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 77 



BANKS. 

What is a bank? 

An institution for negotiating credits, for dis- 
counting notes, for issue of paper money and a 
place for deposit of valuables. 

What is banking ? 

Trading in and with money such as buying, 
selling, exchanging and dealing in credit. 

What are the officers of a bank called? 

Bankers. 

What is the oldest bank on record? 

The bank of Venice, established 1171. 

What bank is the most important one in the 
world? 

The bank of England. 

When was it established ? 

It was proposed by William Paterson. A bill 
was passed by the government, and a charter 
granted April, 1694, for eleven years. 

When were banks first established in the United 
States ? 

The first bank chartered in the United States 
was the bank of North America in 1781. This 
bank had a ten year charter and was located in 
Philadelphia. 

Who was the founder of this bank ? 
Robert Morris. 



78 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

When was the first United States bank chartered 1 ? 

In 1790 Alexander Hamilton, then secretary of 
the treasury, recommended in his report the estab- 
lishing of the bank of the United States. His 
plan was adopted bv congress and a charter granted 
in 1791 with a capital of $10,000,000. This bank 
issued no bills under ten dollars. 

Who may conduct banks ? 

Capitalists may unite under the laws of the 
United States and form a national banking asso- 
ciation ; or a number under a state law and or- 
ganize a state bank ; or one person or company 
may conduct an individual or private bank. 

What is a private bank ? 

A private bank is one conducted by an individ- 
ual, or company, without a charter, and hence un- 
der less restriction than a state or national bank. 

If banks are organized under state laws what are 
they required to do ? 

They are bound by the law and subject to in- 
spection. They must also pay a tax of ten per 
cent on the amount of money used in their busi- 
ness, and, if they issue promises to pay, a coin 
reserve must be kept to pay them. 

When were national banks established ? 

They were authorized in 1863 and established in 
1864. 

What is meant by a national bank ? 

A national bank is not owned or conducted by 
the government, but it authorizes its creation and 
prescribes its mode of doing business. All national 
banks come under the same law in every state, are 



EASY LESSONS IN CTVIE GOVERNMENT. 79 

subject to the same inspection, and use the same 
blanks in making returns to the treasury depart- 
ment at Washington. 

How are national banks organized? 

Under the national law, a banking association 
may be formed by five or more persons, who must 
specify in their articles of association the general 
object of thus uniting. They must make out their 
"organization certificate.'' 

First. The name of the organization. 

Second. Place of business. 

Third. The amount of its stock and the number 
of shares into which it is divided. 

Fourth. The names and residences of the share 
holders and the number of shares held by each. 

Fifth. A declaration that the certificate is made 
to enable them to avail themselves of the advan- 
tage of this title. 

What is done with these organization certificates ? 

They must be signed by the persons uniting to 
form the association and be acknowledged before a 
judge of some court of record or notary public and 
together with the acknowledgement by the seal of 
said court, must be sent to the comptroller of cur- 
rency to be filed and preserved in his office. 

What is the capital stock required? 

No association can be organized with a less cap- 
ital than one hundred thousand dollars under this 
title, except, that banks with a capital of not less 
than fifty thousand dollars, may, with the approval 
of the treasury, be organized in any place where 
the population does not exceed six thousand in- 



80 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

habitants. No association can be organized in a 
city, the population of which exceeds fifty thous- 
and persons, with not less than two hundred thous- 
and dollars. 

If a national bank is organized in a small place 
with capital stock of fifty thousand dollars, can it 
continue with that stock if the town increases to more 
than six thousand people? 

Yes. 

What are the corporate powers of a national bank 
association f 

After incorporation it has power : 

First. To adopt and use a corporate seal. 

Second. To do business for the period of 
twenty years from its organization unless it is 
sooner dissolved according to the provisions of its 
articles of association, or by the act of its share- 
holders owning two-thirds of its stock, or unless 
its franchise becomes forfeited by some violation 
of law. 

Third. To make contracts. 

Fourth. To sue and be sued. 

Fifth. To elect or appoint a board of directors ; 
and this board in turn appoints the president, vice- 
president, cashier and other officers. 

Sixth. To prescribe, by its board of directors, 
" by-laws " not inconsistent with law, regulate the 
manner in which its stock shall be transferred, etc. 

Seventh. To exercise by its board of directors 
or duly authorized agents, subject to law, all such 
incidental powers as are necessary to carry on the 
banking business. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 81 

How ts the capital stock divided? 

The capital stock, of each association, is divided 
into shares of one hundred dollars each and it is to 
be deemed as personal property. 

Can these shares be transferred? 

Yes; by vote of the association in such a manner 
as may be prescribed in the by-laws of the organi- 
zation. Bach person becoming a shareholder by 
such transfers will, in proportion to his shares, 
succeed to all rights and liberties of the prior 
holder of such shares. 

How many directors must each national banking 
association have ? 

They must have not less than five directors, who 
are elected by the share holders at a meeting held 
any time before the association is authorized by 
the comptroller of currency to commence business. 
The directors hold office for one year and until 
their successors are elected and qualified. From 
the board of directors one is chosen its president. 
Bach director is entitled to one vote for each share 
of stock held by him. Shareholders may vote by 
proxies, duly authorized in writing. No share- 
holder whose liability is passed and unpaid is 
allowed to vote. Bach director is required to take 
an oath of office, and this is filed with the comp- 
troller of currency. 

Must directors be citizens of the United States ? 

Bvery director must, during his whole term of 
service, be a citizen of the United States, and at 
least three-fourths of the directors must have re- 
sided in the state or territory or district, in which 



82 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

the association is located, for at least one year 
immediately preceding the election, and must 
reside therein during their continuance in office. 

How many shares must each director own ? 

Each and every director must own in his own 
right at least ten shares of capital stock of the 
association in which he is a director. Any director 
who has ceased to be owner of ten shares of stock, 
or who becomes in any other manner disqualified, 
must thereby vacate his place. 

When must the capital stock be paid in ? 

At least fifty per centum of the capital stock of 
every association must be paid in before it can be 
authorized to commence business; and the re- 
mainder of the capital must be paid in installments 
of at least ten per centum each on the whole 
amount of the capital, as frequently as one install- 
ment at the end of each succeeding month from 
the time it shall be authorized by the comptroller 
of the currency to commence business, and the 
payment of each installment must be certified to 
the comptroller under oath by the president or 
cashier of the organization. 

After all the provisions required by law have been 
complied with, what does the comptroller do f 

He grants the association a certificate under his 
hand and official seal, authorizing them to com- 
mence business. 

What is then done by the association ? 

They must have their certificate published in 
newspapers printed in the city or county where the 
association is located, for at least sixty days next 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 83 

after the issuing thereof. They are then ready to 
begin business. 

Where do the profits of bankers come from f 
From the interest on the government bonds de- 
posited by the association with the United States 
treasurer, and from discounts in negotiating loans, 
etc. Also, the excess of the interest he receives 
from those indebted to him over the interest he 
allows to those who have deposited money or paper 
with him. 

How may money be paid out f 

By checks or drafts. 

What are bank notes t 

Bank notes are obligations issued by a bank to 
pay a certain specified sum to the bearer on de- 
mand. 

Ai'e national bank notes taken everywhere in the 
United States ? 

Yes ; because they are protected by the govern- 
ment bond deposited with the treasurer of the 
United States. 

How is the clerical work done in banks ? 
By cashiers, bookkeepers and tellers. 



84 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

CLEARING HOUSE. 

What is a clearing house ? 

An establishment where the process of clearing 
or settling accounts is carried on. 

When was the first clearing house for bankers estab- 
lished ? 

It was established in London in 1775. It was 
used as a place where clerks of banks of that city 
would meet daily to exchange with one another 
the checks drawn upon, and bills payable at their 
respective houses. 

When was the first bank clearing house established in 
the United States ? 

1853, in New York City. 

What becomes\of a check ? Follow a check from the 
time you pay dtbill with it until it is returned to you. 

The person receiving it may in turn pay it over 
to some one else, they themselves endorsing it on 
the back ; or it may be by them turned over to 
the bank to be deposited to his account. If it is 
a check on the same bank as deposited it is 
simply held there until your bank book is balanced, 
when it is returned to you, together with other 
checks you have issued. 

If it is presented to the bank arid cashed and the 
check belongs to some other bank, what becomes of it? 

Every check is stamped with the number of the 
bank which is sending it to the clearing house. 
At a certain hour all the checks are taken by a 
clerk and these checks are exchanged and balances 
made. §£ These checks are taken back to their re- 
spective banks and finally returned to the depositor. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 85 

DIRECT LEGISLATION. 

Where is the germ of a perfect government to be 
found? 

In the authority of the people. 

What is claimed in regard to the ballot in the United 
States by those who believe in direct legislatio7t ? 

That it has ceased to be an expression of the 
will of the people. 

How is it claimed the will of the people can be 
restored ? 

By the establishment of a pure democracy. 

What is meant by direct legislation ? 

A pure democracy. It is for the people to vote 
for laws instead of voting for representatives and 
delegate to them the full power of making the 
laws. 

What is the referendum ? 

It is the right of the people to pass upon all 
laws, and by a majority vote accept or reject them. 

What is the initiative ? 

It is the right of a citizen, or citizens, under cer- 
tain necessary restrictions, to initiate any needed 
legislation. 

What is the imperative mandate ? 

It is the right of the people to remove any public 
officer, without regard for the length of time for 
which he may have been elected, who has proved 
unfaithful. 



86 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

What is claimed as to present methods of legislation ? 

That they are cumbrous, inefficient and easily 
abused. 

What is the method proposed ? 

More direct legislation, this being guaranteed by 
the spirit and words of the declaration of indepen- 
dence. More definitely this method is defined as 
the referendum, the initiative, and the imperative 
mandate. 

What about the results f 

Legislative bodies would become simply com- 
mittees of the people to attend routine business and 
consider measures, which must be submitted to 
the people before final enactment into law. No 
legislation, except such as the majority of the 
people approve can become law. The standard of 
citizenship would be raised, and the corrupt lobby 
would disappear from the halls of legislation. 
When a question is once settled right it cannot be 
undone by a change of legislators, or of a political 
party for party purposes. Promises made the 
people by a successful candidate would have to be 
fulfilled, and all questions would be discussed on 
their merits. 

When would the initiative be used? 
Only when the representatives (the committees) 
of the people failed to see or do their duty. 

Would a change in the method of voting take place f 

Not necessarily. But some think it would be 

great economy for the post office department, with 

a small increase of the force, to collect the vote of 

the people. The secret ballot and strict registra- 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 87 

tion laws would no longer be required. The ex- 
pense of making laws would be reduced, and time 
for consideration of all measures would be given. 

How would the initiative be used f 

A convention of about three hundred voters would 
be held, and the proposed law or governmental 
policy formulated and signed by at least five per cent 
of the voters in the territory represented. The 
document would then be deposited with the clerk 
of city or county, who transmits a copy to the 
president. It is then caused to be printed and 
copies sent to every postofrlce, half of the expense 
to be borne by the initiative convention and half 
by the government. This would prevent voters 
resorting to the initiative unless urgent necessity 
arose. When the post master receives the docu- 
ment he displays it on a bulletin, and eveiy voter 
showing his electoral card will be allowed to record 
his vote in a book kept for that purpose at the 
post office. The post master transmits the votes 
to the county clerk, the clerk to the governor and 
the governor to the speaker of the house. If the 
total from all the states reaches the per cent of 
signers, the house will frame a measure in accord- 
ance with the petition and " submit it to the people 
at the annual referendary ballot." 

How would the referendum be conducted '? 

Congress would fix a day for the annual referen- 
dary vote ; a day four or six months after the 
adjournment of congress. All bills and questions 
would be properly printed for distribution to the 
post offices. If the people desire they can vote on 
them. If they should be satisfied with them they 



88 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

can approve and if dissatisfied they can veto. It 
is claimed the United States senate might be abol- 
ished and legislatures would be unnecessary, as a 
committee would be sufficient. Great economy is 
promised in every department of government and 
the saving of millions of dollars. 



SWITZERLAND 
As an Example of the Initiative and Referendum. 

What is one of the oldest republics of the world ? 

Switzerland. 

How long has it been a republic ? 

For over five hundred years. 

Of what was it composed ? 

Of independent cantons, each of which had its 
laws, a simple republic within itself, and, except 
in times of war, they had but little communication 
between them. There was no strong central gov- 
ernment. In more recent years great changes 
have taken place. Revolutions sprung up in the 
cantons, a new general constitution was adopted 
in 1848 modeled somewhat after that of the United 
States. All the monarchies protested against the 
Swiss constitution and predicted dire failure. The 
constitution was again amended in 1874, so as to 
give strength of union and yet maintain more 
direct legislation on the part of the people. It is 
the purest democracy in the world among civilized 
nations. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 89 

How many cantons in the Swiss republic f 

Twenty-two. 

What is the total population ? 

3,000,000. 

How many languages are spoken in the parliament 
*at Bern ? 

Three ; German, French and Italian. A mo- 
tion made in German is quickly repeated in 
French and Italian before discussion or a vote is 
taken. Most ot the Swiss parliamentarians under- 
stand the three languages, and many of them 
English. A trained statesman who can serve the 
people well is apt to be retained at his post. 

To whom are the laws submitted for approval after 
adoption in the diet? 

To the people. 

Who holds the final veto power f 

The people. 

How do the people of Switzerland use the initiative ? 

If thirty thousand citizens, or eight cantons, 
•demand it by petition, any act of their parliament 
must be submitted to a vote of the whole people. 

How is the president elected? 

By parliament. 

How is the governing council elected t 

This council corresponds to our president's cabi- 
net and is composed of seven men selected by 
parliament from among its own members. A 
"political accident" could not become a president 
or a member of the council. 



90 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

What salary does the president and members of 
parliament receive f 

The president receives $2,000.00 and the mem- 
bers * 1,000.00. 

For how long is the president elected ? 

For one year. 

Who appoints the members of the supreme court T 

Parliament. 

What relation to parliament does the president 
and council sustain ? 

They are members of one branch or the other of 
parliament. 

How are the members of parliament elected ? 

The lower house is chosen by the people, and 
the constitution provides that the senators may be 
chosen by the people or by the legislatures. 

For how long are they chosen ? 

They are chosen for three years. 

How often does parliament meet? 

Yearly, or it may meet oftener if one-fourth of 
the members of the upper house command it. 

There are no secret sessions in this parliament. 

What is the power of the people in legislation f 

They may reject any or all bills adopted by 
parliament. 

Who owns the railroads and telegraph lines in 
Switzerland ? 

The government. 

What is a peculiar characteristic of this law 
making f 

Important laws are often several years in process 



EASY EESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 91 

of enactment, but when made the laws must be 
obeyed. The statute books are not burdened with 
many useless or neglected laws. 

What advantage is claimed for the referendum and 
veto power in the hands of the people? 

A copy of the law to be voted on is placed in the 
hands of each voter and he must examine and pass 
upon it. No voter can plead ignorance of the law. 

Switzerland is the first country to practice direct 
legislation. 



92 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 



POLITICAL SAYINGS. 

What great man said, u Pd rather be right than 
president of the United States f ' ' 

Henry Clay. 

Under what circumstances ? 

He had introduced a bill in congress in 1833 to 
reduce the then existing duties in order to favor 
the agricultural states. Some of the southern 
states opposed this measure, and when told he 
would lose his chances for the presidency he made 
the above statement. 

Who said, " / was born an American, I live an Ameri- 
can, I shall die an American t " 

Daniel Webster, in a speech delivered July 17, 
1850. 

Who said, " I am not a Virginian, I am an Ameri- 
can?" 

Patrick Henry, in the first continental congress. 

What general said, " I propose to fight it out on this 
line if it takes all summer'? " 

General Grant to the secretary of war. 

What president said, u To be prepared for war, is 
one of the most effectual means of preserving peace V 
George Washington. 

What pesident in his second inaugural address said, 
u with malice toward none, with charity for all?" 
Abraham Lincoln. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 9S 

Who was commonly known and called the " Father 
of the constitution ? ' ' 

James Madison. 

Why was he called that? " 

Because he was the author of the resolution 
that led to the invitation for the convention of 
1787, issued by the Virginia legislature. 

Where do we find these words, u - First in war, first 
in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen? " 

In a resolution passed in the house of represen- 
tatives on the death of George Washington. 

What striking utterance did Benjamin Franklin 
make after the passage of the stamp act ? " 

He said : " The Americans must light the lamps 
of industry and economy. 

In giving instructions to our ministers abroad as to 
what our foreign policy should be, who said, " Ask 
nothing but what is right, submit to nothing wrong f f> 

Andrew Jackson. 

Who said, " We must all hang together or we shall 
all hang separately ? " 

Benjamin Franklin when signing the declaration 
of independence. 

Who was called the " expounder of the constitution f n 

Daniel Webster. 

Who said, ' * government of the people, by the people, 
and for the people shall not perish from the earth ? v 

Abraham Lincoln in his famous Gettysburg ad- 
dress. 

What president said, " a pound of pluck, is worth a 
ton of luck ? " 

James A. Garfield. 



D4 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

Who was called the " Cincinnatus of the west ? v 

George Washington. 

What great American orator said, " give me liberty 
or give me death f '' 

Patrick Henry in a speech before the Virginia 
convention in 1775 in favor of a resolution " That 
the colony be immediately put in a state of de- 
fense. " In the closing of his remarks he said, 
" Is life so dear, or peace so sweet as to be pur- 
chased at the price of chains and slavery ? Forbid 
it, Almighty God ! I know not what course others 
may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give 
me death? ". 

What was said by James A. Garfield the morning 
after Lincoln was assassinated? " 

"God reigns and the government at Washing- 
ton still lives." 

On what occasion did he say it f 

In a brief speech, when a crowd were about to 
attack a newspaper which had violently opposed 
Lincoln. Garfield appeared in the midst and in a 
speech before the crowd said: " Fellow citizens ! 
Clouds and darkness are round about him. His 
pavilion is dark waters and thick clouds of skies. 
Justice and judgment are the establishment of his 
throne. Mercy and truth shall go before his face. 
Fellow citizens ! God reigns, and the government 
at Washington still lives." 

Who was styled "Old Public Functionary t ' y 

James Buchanan. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 95 

Who said of Alexander Hamilton that " He smote 
the rock of the national resources and abundant 
streams of revenue gushed forth ? " 

Daniel Webster. 

Whose cabinet was known as the "kitchen cab- 
inet? 

Andrew Jackson's. 

Who said "Millions for defense, but not a cent for 
tribute?" 

Charles C. Pinckney. 

Who received the famous l< X Y Z" dispatches? 

John Adams. 

At the continental congress who said, "I am not 
worth purchasing, but such as I am, the king of 
Great Britain is not rich enough to do it ? ' ' 

Joseph Reed, a member of the congress, when 
offered a large sum of money to use his influence 
to restore the colonies to Great Britain. 

Who was known as " the master of elegance? " 

Edward Everett. 

Who was the author of the expression " they see 
nothing wrong in the rule that to the victors belong the 
spoils?" 

William h. Marcy in 1832, in speaking of the 
removal from office of those who had been ap- 
pointed under the previous administrations. 

What president announced in his last annual message 
" the country was without a national bank and without 
a permanent national debt ? " 

Martin Van Buren. He was president from 1837 
to 1841. 



96 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

Who said " he touched the dead corpse of public 
credit and it sprung upon its feet? " 

Daniel Webster, of Alexander Hamilton 

Whence came the motto \ " Americans must rule 
America ? " 

From the'" know nothings. '' 

Whom did Bancroft call the u wis est civilian of them 
all?" 

James Madison. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 97 



MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS. 

What college first admitted women ? 

Oberlin, at Oberlin, Ohio. 

Who was the first woman to be elected president of a 
college in America f 

Frances E. Willard, who was made president of 
the Kvanston college for women in Febuary, 1871. 
When were envelopes first used f 

1839. 

How long have postage stamps been used ? 

In England since 1840. In the United States 
since 1847. 

When was printing introduced in America ? 

In 1539, in the City of Mexico, and in Cambridge, 
Mass., in 1639. It was first known in China in the 
sixth century. 

When was the first public school established in the 
United States ? 
In 1635, in Boston. 

Where did our present public system originate ? 
In New England, 1649, by law of the colony. 

What was the first territory admitted as a state with 
woman's suffrage at the time of its admission ? 
Wyoming. 

How long have women voted tn Wyoming f 
Since 1869. 



$8 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

What state first elected women representatives to its 
state legislature? 

Colorado, in 1894. 

What state elected the first woman state senator t 

Utah, 1896. Mrs. Martha Hughes Cannon. 

What state elected the first woman presidential elector f 

Wyoming, 1896. 

Who was it f 

Mrs. Sarah Malloy. 

When did free delivery of mail matter by carriers 
first take effect? 

July 1st, 1863. 

When was the Si reply " postal card issued? 

In 1892. 

Are stamped envelopes, if misdirected, ever redeem- 
able? 

Yes, upon application to the postoffice depart- 
ment. 

What woman s face has ever adorned United States 
paper money ? 

The face of Martha Washington. 

What is bullion ? 

Uncoined gold and silver bars. 

What is the Monroe doctrine t 

It is the doctrine in American politics of non- 
intervention of European powers in matters relat- 
ing to American continents, and is opposed to any 
extension of territory on the part of such powers 
upon this continent. 

What is meant by the term a dark horse " ? 

It is the term applied to the successful nominee 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 99 

of a party who was little known at the time of the 
nomination, or one whose nomination was not 
generally expected. 

To whom was it first applied? 

To James K. Polk. 

When was the first bank of the United States char- 
tered? 

By congress in 1791. It was opened for the 
transaction of business in Carpenter's hall, at 
Philadelphia, in December of the same year. 

How may war be declared? 

Only by a bill passing both houses of congress 
and signed by the president. The senate may 
make a treaty of peace. 

How did a Uncle Sam " originate ? 

The nickname of " Uncle Sam " as applied to 
the United States government, is said to originate 
with Samuel Wilson, commonly called " Uncle 
Sam,'' a government inspector of beef and pork, at 
Troy, N. Y., in 1812. A contractor, Elbert Ander- 
son, purchased a quantity of provisions. The 
barrels came marked " E. A." — Anderson's initials 
— "U. S." (United States.) Wilson's workmen 
not being familiar with the latter initials, inquired 
what they meant, and one fellow answered, " I 
don't know, unless they mean Uncle Sam." 

Who is known as the "bewildered congressman?" 

James E. Cobb of Alabama, who, while deliver- 
ing an address in congress, having been diverted 
from the order of his remarks, said : " Mr. Speaker, 
where am I at?" 

Lore. 



100 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

What are the great naval powers of the world ? 

Great Britian stands pre-eminently first as the 
most important, France, Russia, United States, 
Germany, Italy and Japan. 

What is a congressman-at-large? 

One elected by the voters of a whole state, in- 
stead of a single district, which is done when the 
existing apportionment by districts does not pro- 
vide lor all the representatives to which the state 
is entitled. 

Who is speaker of the house of lords in Engla?id f 

The Lord Chancellor. 

How is the speaker of the house of commons in 
England chosen ? 

By the house, subject to the approval of the 
crown. 

What is the difference between the English and 
American enacting clause of a bill? 

The English enacting clause reads, " Be it en- 
acted by the queen's most excellent majesty, by 
and with the consent of the lords, spiritual and 
temporal, and the commons, and by the authority 
of the same." The American enacting clause : "Be 
it enacted by the senate and house of representa- 
tives of the United States of America, in congress 
assembled." 

When was the first recorded TJianksgiving day? 

In 1631 in the Massachusetts Bay colony. 

Who appointed the first national Thanksgiving 
day? 

President Washington, for November, 1789. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL, GOVERNMENT. 101 

When was the Tammany society of New York 
organized 1 ! 

In 1789 by William Mooney, an upholsterer, and 
named after St. Tammany, a noted Delaware chief, 
of whom it is said he loved u liberty more than life." 

When was " E Phiribus Unum'* first used as a 
motto ? 

It first appeared on coins in New Jersey in 1786, 
when copper coins were issued in the state, and 
was suggested by Franklin, John Adams and 
Jefferson as a motto of the United States, and as a 
design for the great seal. 

To whom and when was the first medical diploma 
granted to a wojnen ? 

To Mrs. Elizabeth Blackwell, Geneva, N. Y. , in 
1849. 

When was letter postage reduced to two cents f 

In 1883. 

When were copyright and patent laws first en- 
acted in this country ? * 

In 1784 in South Carolina. Such a general law 
passed congress in 1790. 

When and where was the first mint established in the 
English- American colonies ? 

In Boston, 1652. 

What special stamp privilege was granted Washing' 
ton for life ? 

That of receiving his letters free of postage, 
which courtesy has subsequently been granted to 
every president and ex-president and their widows. 



102 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

When was the white house built f 

The corner stone was laid in 1792, and first oc- 
cupied by President Adams in 1800. It was burn- 
ed by the British in 1814, and restored in 1817. 

When was decoration day established ? 

It is claimed to have been established in 1863, 
while some claim 1862. 

What state is called the mother of presidents ? 

Virginia, and it is also called the mother of 
states, and it was the first state settled of the thir- 
teen states that formed the union. 

Who was the author of the expression a the 
almighty dollar t " 

Washington Irving wrote it as a satire on the 
American love for gain. 

Which is the oldest college in America f 

Harvard college. It was established in 1636. 

Who was known as " Alexander, the copper- 
smith ? 

Alexander Hamilton, by those who were dissat- 
isfied with the copper cent coined in 1793. 

To whom were these words applied, a all quiet 
along the Potomac ? " 

To Gen. McClellan, when his army, fully equip- 
ped, remained so long inactive in 1861. 

When was " arbor day v inaugurated? 

In 1865, by the state board of education of Con- 
necticut. 

Who were known as " carpet-baggers?" 1 

The term was applied to the northerners who 
went south after the war for political purposes 
without intending to permanently settle. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 103 

When did a copperheads" as an epithet, originate? 

It was the name given to northern sympathizers 
with the south during the civil war. 

What is the Mason and Dixon line ? 

The line which separates Pennsylvania and 
Maryland. It was practically the line which sep- 
arated the free from the slave states in the east. 

Who was known as the ' ' mill boy of the sluices ? n 

Henry Clay. 

What is known as the " cradle of liberty ? '' 

Faneuil hall, Boston. 

What is known as the " dollar of our dads ? v 

It is a nickname for the silver dollar. 

Who was known as the u noblest Roman of them 
all?" 

Allen G. Thurman. 

Who was known as " old hickory? " 

Andrew Jackson. 

Who was commonly called l ' old man eloquent ? '* 

John Quincy Adams. 

To whom was " old rough and ready" applied? 

Gen. Zachary Taylor. 

Who was called " old saddle bags? n 

Joseph McDonald, of Indiana. 

When was the first woman ' s club organized in Ger- 
many ? 

January, 1897, in Berlin. 
Who was the first woman novelist ? 
Frances Burney (Madam D'Arbley). 



104 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

What is known as the " liberty tree ? ' 

The tree on which Andrew Oliver was hung in 
effigy in 1765, because he had agreed to become 
distributor of stamps under the famous stamp act, 
which passed that year. 

When was the first library established in Amer- 
ica f 

In 1638, at Harvard college — the first public 
library in New York City in 1700. 

What was the last piece of country bought by the 
United States from a foreign power f 

Alaska; bought from Russia March, 1867, for 
$7,200,000 in gold. 

When was the first steamboat invented ? 

In 1807 by Robert Fulton, and called the 
" steamer Clermont." 

What is meant by a Plymouth rock? '' 

The place where our Puritan fathers first 
stepped on land in this country. 

Where is this place ? 

At Plymouth, Mass. 

When was the first newspaper printed in Amer- 
ica ? 

In 1704, " The Boston News,'' published at Bos- 
ton, Mass. 

Who wrote the Declaration of Independence! 

Thomas Jefferson. 

Who were the committee to draft the Declaration 
of Independence ? 

Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Robert Living- 
ston, Benjamin Franklin and Roger Sherman. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 105 

What closed the revolutionary war ? 
The surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, Oc- 
tober 19, 1781. 

To whom did Cornzvalhs surreiider ? 
To General Washington. 
When was the treaty of peace signed? 
September 3, 1783, at Paris, France. 
What state was admitted into the union first after 
our independence ? 

Vermont, 1791. 

Give the year of their death and place our presi- 
dents are buried. 

George Washington died December 14, 1799, 
buried at Mt. Vernon, Va. The funeral oration 
was given by Gen. Henry Lee. John Adams died 
July 4, 1826. Buried at Braintree (now called 
Quincy) near Boston, Mass. Thomas Jefferson 
died July 4, 1826, buried at Monticello, Va. James 
Madison died June, 28, 1836. Buried at Montpel- 
ier, Va. James Monroe died July 4, 1831. Buried 
at Richmond, Va. John Quincy Adams died Feb- 
ruary 23, 1848. Buried at Quincy, Mass. Andrew 
Jackson died June 8, 1845. Buried at Hermitage, 
near Nashville, Tenn. Martin Van Buren died 
July 24, 1862. Buried at Kinderhook, N. Y. 
William Henry Harrison died April 4, 1841, 
Buried fifteen miles west of Cincinnati, O. John 
Tyler died January 17, 1862. Buried at Holly- 
wood, Richmond, Va. James K. Polk died 1849. 
Buried at Nashville, Tenn. Zachary Taylor died 
July 9, 1850. Buried near Louisville, Ky. Mil- 
lard Fillmore died March 8, 1874. Buried near 



106 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

Buffalo, N. Y. Franklin Pierce died October 8, 
1869. Buried at Minot cemetery, N. H. James 
Buchanan died June 1, 1868. Buried at Lancaster, 
Pa. Abraham Lincoln was assassinated April 14, 
1865, at Ford's theatre, Washington City, by John 
Wilkes Booth. The president is buried at Spring- 
field, 111. Andrew Johnson died July 31, 1875. 
Buried at Greenville, Tenn. Ulysses S. Grant 
died July 23, 1885. Buried at Riverside park, 
N. Y. Rutherford B. Hayes died January 17, 1893. 
Buried at Fremont, O. James A. Garfield was 
shot by Chailes Guiteau at the depot in Washing- 
ton, D. C, July 2, 1881 and died September 19, 
1881. He is buried at Cleveland, O. Chester 
Allen Arthur died Nov. 18, 1886. Buried at New 
York City, 

What tzvo presidents of the United States died on the 
same day , just fifty years after the signing of the decla- 
ration of independence ? 

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died 
July 4, 1826. 

What is known as the famous " Charter Oak ?" 

When Connecticut was asked by Sir Edmund 
Andras to give up her charter, the document was 
taken away and hid in the hollow of an oak tree, 
and ever since it has been called the " Charter 
Oak." 

Who founded our Smithsonian institute at Washing- 
ton, D. C. ? 

James Smithson, an Englishman, left a legacy 
to the United States u for the dissemination of 
knowledge among men.'' 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. ]07 

When did the government establish this institu- 
tion ? 

In 1845. It is now a very valuable museum. 

When was the census first taken in the United States t 
In 1790. 

What was the population then f 
3,929,214. 

Do the members of the British Parliament receive 
any salary f 

No. 

Who was always known as the "Bachelor presi- 
dent of the United States ? 

James Buchanan and Grover Cleveland were 
the only bachelor presidents we have had. Cleve- 
land married before his term of office expired. 

When was the ballot granted the negro in the 
United States ? 

Congress proposed the XV amendment of the 
constitution to the state legislatures Feb. 27, 1869, 
and by March, 1870, was ratified by thirty of the 
states, which gave the vote regardless of color. 

What is known as the "original package decision? 

In the prohibition states the sale of intoxicating 
liquors was allowed only for mechanical or medi- 
cinal purposes. In April, 1890, the supreme court 
decided that such laws were unconstitutional, so 
far as they applied to the sale by an importer in 
original packages of liquors manufactured in and 
brought from any other state. 

What was the " congress of the three Americas? 

In October, 1889, representatives of the leading 



108 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

governments of Central and South America, to- 
gether with the republic of Mexico, met represen- 
tatives chosen by the United States in a congress 
held in Washington, D. C. 

By what name is it known ? 

By the name of the " Pan-American Congress." 

What was the object of this congress ? 

To bring about a closer union of Americans, for 
the purpose of trade and mutual advantage. 

How many countries were represented in this congress ? 

Eighteen. The total number of representatives 
were sixty-six. 

What did the delegates do while here ? 

They visited the principal commercial and man- 
ufacturing cities in the United States. After doing 
this they returned to Washington and spent the 
rest of the winter and part of 1890 in discussion 
of business. 

How many officers and employes are engaged in 
the civil service department ? 

Nearly 200,000. 

In Great Britain which house has the power of 
impeachment ? 

The house of commons, and the power of trial 
is with the house of lords. 

When the president of the United States is im- 
peached, why does the chief justice preside ? 

Because the vice president is interested in the 
trial. Should the president be convicted, the vice 
president would succeed to the office of president. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 10& 

Can cabinet officers in this country also be members 
of congress? 

No, they cannot hold both positions at the same 
time. In Great Britain the cabinet officers may 
also hold seats in parliament. 

What is the difference betwee7i the veto power of 
the sovereign of Great Britain and the president of 
the United States ? 

In the United States the president may veto a 
bill, but it may still pass in congress over his veto 
by a two-thirds vote of both houses. In Great 
Britian the sovereign has an absolute veto power, 
but it has not been used since 1707 during the 
reign of Queen Ann. 

Who presides in the senate when the vice-president 
becomes pre side fit of the United States ? 

The senate chooses one of their own members 
president pro tempore. He receives the same 
salary as the vice-president did. Election to this 
office of course does not make him vice-president 
of the United States 

Why are the qualifications for vice-president the 
same as for president? 

Because he becomes president in case of a va- 
cancy. The speaker pro tempore takes the vice- 
president's place in the senate, and the secretary 
of state stands next to the president. 

How many presidents of the United States have 
been re-elected? 

Bight — Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Mon- 
roe,. Jackson, Lincoln, Grant and McKinley. 



110 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

How many times has the office of president been 
vacant ? 

Four times, and all by death. William Henry 
Harrison, 1841. General Zachary Taylor, 1850. 
Abraham Lincoln, 1865. James A. Garfield, 1881. 
The office of president and vice-president has 
never been vacant at the same time. 

Is it necessary for a candidate to receive a majority 
popular vote to elect him president of the United 
States? 

No, a candidate ma}' be in the minority when 
the vote of the people is taken, yet he may have a 
majority of the electoral votes. 

How many minority presidents have been elected? 

Ten, John Quincy Adams, Polk, Taylor, Buch- 
anan, Lincoln (one time), Hayes, Garfield, Har- 
rison, Cleveland (two times). 

Is the president always inaugurated on the j.th of 
March? 

No. If the 4th comes on Sunday he is inaugu- 
rated on the 5th. 

What presidents were not inaugurated on March 
4th ? 

Washington, April 30th, 1789. James Monroe, 
second term, March 5th, 1821. John Tyler, April 
6th, 1841. Zachary Taylor, March 5th, 1849. 
Millard Fillmore, July 10th, 1850. Andrew John- 
son, April 15th, 1865. Rutherford B. Hayes, 
March 5th, 1877. 

If the president of the United States should be ab- 
sent from the country would the office be vacant ? 

This has never occurred, so has always re- 
mained a disputed question. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. Ill 

If a vacancy occurs in the house of representatives 
how is it filled '? 

The governor calls for a new election and the 
people vote for someone to fill the vacancy. 

How many vice presidents have died while in 
office ? 

Six. George Clinton, of New York, April 20, 
1812. Elbridge Gerry, of Massachusetts, Novem 
ber 22, 1814. William R. King, of Alabama 
April 18, 1853. Henry Wilson, of Massachusetts 
November 22, 1875. Thomas Hendricks, of Indi 
ana, November 25, 1885. Garret A. Hobart, of 
New Jersey, November 21, 1899. 

When was slavery abolished in the District of Col- 
umbia ? 

By act of congress April 10, 1862, and in the 
territories June 19, of the same year. 

When did the president of the United States issue 
a proclamation that all slaves should be free ? 

January 1, 1863. The resolution for the aboli- 
tion of slavery was passed by two-thirds of the 
Senate April 8, 1864. The resolution did not pass 
the house until January, 1865, and was then 
transmitted to the states. After the required 
number of states had ratified the amendment it 
was announced December 18, 1865. 

Under the United States laws has any person 
ever been convicted of treason ? 

No. The two most famous cases tried were 
Aaron Burr and Jefferson Davis. 
What is a bill of attainer ? 

A legislative measure inflicting punishment 
without a trial in court. 



112 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

What is an ex post facto law f 

A law that places punishment upon an act that 
was not punishable when committed. 

What is a writ of habeas corpus ? 
It is a guarantee of personal liberty against un- 
just imprisonment by officers. 

When was the treaty of peace between Spain and 
the United States signed! 

In Paris, France, December 10, 1898. 

How many states have been admitted into the 
union since the adoption of the constitution ? 

Thirty-two. Vermont, the first, in 1791 ; Utah, 
the last, in 1896. 

When zvas our postal money system established in 
the United States ? 
In 1864. 

When was the first seminary for women in this 
country established f 

At Mount Holyoke, Mass., by Mary Lyon, in 
1836. 

What magnificent gift went from America to the 
French government in the year ipoo ? 

The equestrian statue of Gen. Lafayette. 
What did it cost and by whom was it given f 
The entire cost was over #250,000. Of this sum 
the largest part was made up by penny subscrip- 
tions of the American school children from almost 
every state in the union. This statue was unveiled 
in Paris July 4, 1900. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL, GOVERNMENT. 113 

Give a list of the presidents of the United States 
and their term of office. 

George Washington, Va., 1789-1797, two terms. 

John Adams, Mass., 1797-1801, one term. 

Thomas Jefferson, Va., 1801-1809, two terms. 

James Madison, Va., 1809-1817, two terms. 

James Monroe, Va , 1817-1825, two terms. 

John Qnincy Adams, Mass., 1825-1829, one term. 

Andrew Jackson, Tenn., 1829-1837, two terms. 

Martin Van Buren, N. Y., 1837-1841, one term. 

Wm. H. Harrison, Ohio, 1841, one month. 

John Tyler, Va., 1841-1845, 3 yrs, 11 mos. 

James K. Polk, Tenn., 1845-1849, one term. 

Zachary Taylor, La., 1849-1850, 1 yr, 4 mos. 

Millard Fillmore, N. Y., 1850-1853, 2 yrs, 8 mos. 

Franklin Pierce, N. H., 1853-1857, one term. 

James Buchanan, Penn., 1857-1861, one term. 

Abraham Lincoln, 111., 1861-1865, 4 yrs, 1 mo. 

Andrew Johnson, Tenn., 1865-1869, 3 yrs, 11 mos. 

Ulysses S. Grant, 111., 1869-1877, two terms. 

Rutherford B. Hayes, Ohio, 1877-1881, one term. 

James A. Garfield, Ohio, 1881, 6 mos, 15 days. 

Chester A. Arthur, N. Y., 1881-1885, 3 years, 5 
mos, 15 days. 

Grover Cleveland, N. Y., 1885-1889, first term. 

Benjamin Harrison, Ind., 1889-1893, one term. 

Grover Cleveland, N. Y., 1893-1897, second 
term. 

William McKinley, Ohio, 1897, re-elected in 1901. 

Give a list of the vice presidents and when elected. 
John Adams, elected 1789 and 1797. 
Thomas Jefferson, elected 1797. 
Aaron Burr, elected 1801. 
9 



114 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

George Clinton, elected 1805 and 1809. 

Eldridge Gerry, elected 1813. 

Daniel D. Tompkins, elected 1817 and 1821. 

John C. Calhoun, elected 1825 and 1829. 

Martin Van Buren, elected 1833. 

Richard M. Johnson, elected 1837. 

John Tyler, elected 1841. 

George M. Dallas, elected 1845. 

Millard Fillmore, elected 1849. 

William R. King, elected 1853. 

John C. Breckenridge, elected 1857. 

Hannibal Hamlin, elected 1861. 

Andrew Johnson, elected 1865. 

Schuyler Colfax, elected 1869. 

Henry Wilson, elected 1873. 

William A. Wheeler, elected 1877. 

Chester A. Arthur, elected 1881. 

Thomas A. Hendricks, elected 1885. 

Levi P. Morton, elected 1889. 

Adlai E. Stevenson, elected 1893. 

Garret Hobart, elected 1897. 

Theodore Roosevelt, elected 1901. 

What was the first permanent English colony in 
America f 

Jamestown, Virginia. 

When was it settled t 

It was settled on May 13th, 1607. 

Why was it called Jamestown f 

In honor of James 1st, of England. 

For whom was Virginia named ? 

For Elizabeth, the " virgin queen " of England. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVEBNMENT. 115 

What can be said of the growth of Virginia in 1619? 

The people numbered 4000, and had settled in 
eleven distinct places called "boroughs, " believing 
that it would not be a long time when they would 
grow to be as many towns. 

What form of government was adopted by the people"* 

A representative government. Governor Yeard- 
ly was instructed to issue writs for the election of 
a general assembly. Accordingly, two representa- 
tives, called ' 'burgesses,'' were chosen by each 
borough to represent them in the assembly, which 
met in the choir of the little church at Jamestown, 
July 30th, 1619. The little church was afterwards 
known as the " house of burgesses." This was 
the first legislative body ever assembled in Amer- 
ica. 

How many presidents has Virginia given to the 
nation f 

\ fFive. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, 
James Madison, James Monroe and John Tyler. 

How many presidents have come from Ohio ? 

Ohio has had five. William Harrison, Ruther- 
ford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield and William 
McKinley, two terms. 

What college was founded in Virginia in 1602 ? 

Williams and Mary's. 

When was Yale college founded ? 

In 1701, in New Haven, Conn. 

When and by whom was our first postal service 
established? 

In 1754, by Benj. Franklin. 



116 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

What is meant by the u Boston tea party ? " 

The colonists, indignant at the duty placed on 
tea, by England, one night while the tea ship was 
in the harbor, boarded the same and poured the 
tea in the bay. 

What was the beginning of the revolutionary war ? 

The British troops fired on the Americans at 
Lexington, April 19, 1775. 

Who said " we have met the enemy and they are 
ours v ? 

Oliver H. Perry, after winning a decided victory 
sent this word to General Harrison. 

When was telegraphy invented? 

By Prof. Morse in 1844. The first line was 
between Washington and Baltimore. 

What was the cause of the election of Hayes ? 

In some of the contested southern states the 
republicans claimed fraudulent counting on the 
part of the democrats. The democrats denied the 
accusation, which caused the contested election. 
It was finally agreed by congress that a commis- 
sion be formed of five judges of the supreme court, 
five senators and five representatives to hear the 
evidence and decide. The decision was rendered 
on the second of March (two days before the in- 
auguration should take place) in favor of Hayes, 
the vote in the electoral college standing, Hayes 
185, and Tilden 184. In the commission there 
were 8 republicans and 7 democrats. Hayes was 
elected by one majority of electoral vote. 

What is the present population of the United States ? 
76,295,220 as furnished by the census bureau, 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 117 

1900. This includes the population of the 
Hawaiian islands, which is 154,001. 

When were the Hawaiian islands annexed to the 
United States ? 

By act of congress approved July 7, 1898, which 
took effect in Hawaii Aug. 12, 1898. By act of 
congress April 30, 1900, provision was made for a 
territorial government. Mr. Sanford B. Dole, 
formerly president of the provincial government, 
was made governor, June 14, 1900. 

How is Porto Rico governed ? 

By act of congress, April 12, 1900, a form of gov- 
ernment similar to the territories was established 
with a governor as chief executive, house of dele- 
gates, commissioners, etc., Proto Rico's interest is 
represented in the United States by a commissioner. 

From how many states have presidents been elected? 

Ten : Virginia, Massachusetts, New York, Ten- 
nessee, Ohio, New Hampshire, Louisiana, Pennsyl- 
vania, Indiana, Illinois. 

What president was elected by every electoral vote 
but one ? 

James Monroe, in 1820. 

What is the United States congress of ipoi ? 

The fifty-seventh. 

What is reciprocity ? 

It is free interchange or equality of commercial 
privileges between the the subjects of different 
governments, in each other's ports, with respect to 
shipping and trading of merchandise to the extent 
established by treaty. 



118 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 



FAMILIAR NATIONAL S0N05. 

Who wrote the hymn u My Country, tis of Thee?" 
Dr. Samuel F. Smith, February, 1832. 

Who wrote the " Battle Hymn of the Republic ?" 
Mrs. Julia Ward Howe, December, 1861. 

Who wrote " Marching through Georgia?" 
Henry C. Work, in 1865. 

Who wrote " Hail Columbia?" 
Joseph Hopkinson, in 1798. 

Who wrote " The Star Spangled Banner?" 
Francis Scott Key, in 1814. 

Who wrote " All Quiet Along the Potomac?" 

Ethelinda Eliot Beers, in 1861. 

Who wrote u Yankee Doodle?" 

This is disputed, as it is claimed by many nations. 

Who wrote " Tenting on the Old Camp Ground 7" 
Walter Kittridge, in 1862. 

Who wrote " Home y Szveet Home?" 

John Howard Payne. He wrote this hymn while 
a wonderer and living in poverty in 1823. 

Who wrote u Maryland, My Maryland?" 

James R. Randall, in 1861. 



EASY EESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 119 

Who I 'wrote u We are Coming, Father Abraham^ 
Three Hundred Thousand Strong V 

The words were written by John Greenleaf 
Whittier during the war, after Lincoln had issued 
a call for three thousand more men. A. B. Irving 
set the words to music, and it was sung for the 
first time in Defiance, Ohio, where it was received 
with great enthusiasm. 

Who wrote the three popular war songs, " Just Before 
the Battle \ Mother" " The Battle Cry of Freedom" 
and " Tramp, Tramp, the Boys are Marching V 

Mr. Geo. T. Root, Chicago, 111. 



120 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 



"Liberty and union one and inseparable, now and forever." 



STATE NAMES. 

What is the origin of the names of the different states ? 

The names of the Atlantic states are of European 
origin with the exception of Massachusetts and 
Connecticut. Most of the other states are of Indian 
derivation. California and Colorado are taken from 
the Spanish. 

Alabama from the Greek Indian, meaning " here 
we rest." 

Arkansas is taken from the French "arc," a bow, 
and the Indian word " Kansas," smoky waters, 
meaning "a bow of smoky waters." It is called 
the "bear state." 

California means "hot furnace," and on account 
of the gold is called the " Golden State." 

Colorado is from the Spanish and means red, or 
colored. The name was first given to the Colorado 
river on account of the reddish tint of the water. 
It is called the "centennial state." 

Connecticut, from the Indian Quonek-ta-cat, 
meaning " long river." It is called " nutmeg state," 
the "land of steady habits," or the "free stone 
state." 

Delaware was named in honor of Lord De la 
War. It is called the "diamond state" and 
''blue hen state." 

Florida means "feast of flowers," and is called 
the "peninsular state." 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 121 

Georgia, so-called after George II of England, 
and is known as the '- empire state of the south. " 

Illinois is from the Indian, meaning "A tribe of 
men," or " manly," and is called the " prairie " or 
" sucker " state. 

Indiana, named from the Indians, and is called 
the " hoosier state." 

Iowa, an Indian name, means " the sleepy ones." 
It is styled the " hawk-eye " state. 

Kansas, from the Indians, means, " smoky 
water. " It is called the " garden of the west. " 

Kentucky signifies " dark and bloody ground." 
It is called the " corn cracker state. " 

Louisiana, named after Louis XIV of France, is 
known as the u Creole state" or " pelican state." 

Maine, was originally called "mayneland. " It 
is termed the " pine tree state." 

Maryland was named in honor of Henrietta 
Maria, Queen of Charles I of England. 

Massachusetts is from the Massachusetts tribe of 
Indians, meaning " blue hills. " It is called the 
" old bay state." 

Michigan means " the lake country " and is call- 
ed "wolverine state." 

Minnesota gets its name from the Minnesota 
River, the Indian meaning " sky-tinted water. " 
It is called the " gopher state." 

Mississippi, from the river, the Indian Miche 
Sepe, meaning "father of waters." It is called 
the u bayou state." 

Missouri, Indian name for river, means "muddy 
water." It is known as "the Pennsylvania of the 
west." 



122 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

Nebraska from the Indian, means ' 'water valley'* 
or "shallow river.'' 

Nevada, from the Spanish, means * 'white as 
snow," or "snow clad." It is called the "sage hen 
state.'' 

New Hampshire, named by George Mason 
whose home was formerly in Hampshire Co., Eng- 
land. It is called the "granite state." 

New Jersey was named in honor of Sir George 
Carterel, one the governors of the Island of Jersey 
in the British Channel. It is called "Jersey blue." 

New York was named in honor of the Duke of 
York, brother of Charles II. It is called the 
"excelsior state" and the ''empire state." 

North Carolina, named in honor of Charles II. 
It is called " the old north state," " the tar state," 
and " the turpentine state." 

Ohio, from the Seneca Indians, O — hee — yuh, 
means " beautiful river," and is called " the buck- 
eye state." 

Oregon is from the Spanish which means " river 
of the west." 

Pennsylvania means " Penn's woods " named in 
honor of Admiral Penn, father of William Penn. 
It is called " the keystone state." 

Rhode Island. Authorities differ as to its origin, 
but an order was given in 1664 which decreed that 
the island of Newport should be named the '' isle 
of Rhodes or Rhode Island." The name afterwards 
extended to the whole state, It is nicknamed 
" little Rhody." 

South Carolina, named in honor of King Charles 
II and is called " the palmetto state." 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 123 

Tennessee, from the Indian, meaning "river of 
the big bend," and is called " the big bend state." 

Texas is from the Aztec, meaning " north coun- 
try. " Some hold that Texas is Spanish and means 
4 ' friends.'' It is called " the lone star state.'' 

Vermont, from the French for green mountains, 
u vert mont," and is called the " green mountain 
state.'' 

Virginia, named in honor of Elizabeth, the 
virgin queen of England. It is called the " moth- 
er of states '' and also " the old dominion." 

West Virginia formed from the western part of 
the old state of Virginia, nicknamed the " pan 
handle state." 

Wisconsin from Ouisconsin, is the French form 
of an Indian word which means " a wild rushing 
river." It is called " the badger state." 

Dakota is an Indian word meaning " allies." 

Montana means " mountainous." 

Washington, named after our first president. 



124 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 



OUR NEIGHBORING GOVERNMENTS. 

HEXICAN GOVERNMENT. 

What is the form of the Mexican government? 

The government of Mexico is modeled after that 
of the United States. 

How is its government divided? 

Into three great governmental branches. 

What are theyt 

Their national departments, the judiciary and 
the state governments. 

Is the management of these departments the same f 

It is substantially the same in all. 

How is the national government divided ? 

Legislative, executive and judicial. 

How is the republic of Mexico divided? 

Into twenty-seven states. The territory of 
lower California and the federal district. 

What constitutes their national law-making body t 

The federal congress (or house) and a federal 
senate. 

How many members in the senate ? 

Fifty-two elected by the states in the state legis- 
lature on the plurality vote. 

How many members in the lozver house f 

227. They are elected by the people on the 
basis of the population, one for every 80,000 or a 
major fraction. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 125 

How is the president of Mexico elected? 
By the people for a term of four years. 

Who is vice president? 
The chief justice is ex-officio vice president. 

What is the capitol? 

The city of Mexico, both of the federal districts 
and the republic. 

How is the supreme judiciary chosen ? 

By popular vote for the term of four years. 

What language is spoken f 
The Spanish. 

CANADIAN GOVERNMENT. 

What is the form of the Canadian government ? 

The form of government is similar to that of 
their mother country. The constitution is mod- 
eled after the British. 

How is the sovereign represented in the dominion ? 

By a governor-general, appointed by the crown. 

How long does he hold office ? 

During the pleasure of the crown. The consti- 
tution provides for the appointment of a council to 
aid and advise with the governor-general. 

What is this body called f 

The queen's privy council. The members repre- 
sent the majority of the house of commons. 

What constitutes the legislative powers? 

They are vested in a senate and house of com- 
mons. 



126 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

How are the senators appointed ? 

By the governor-general for life. A senator 
must be thirty years of age and own real and per- 
sonal property to the amount of four thousand dol- 
lars above all debts and liabilities. 

How many members in the senate ? 

There are 80. 

How many members in the house of commons ? 

There are 215. They are elected for a term of 
five years. 

WJiere does the Canadian parliament meet? 

At Ottawa. 

In the Canadian parliament there are so many 
Frenchmen that all bills and motions are read in 
French as well as in English. 

How is Canada divided? 

Into seven provinces; Ontario, Quebec, Nova 
Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, British Colum- 
bia, Prince Edwards Island, and its northwest ter- 
ritories. 

How are these provinces governed ? 

The governor-general appoints a lieutenant-gov- 
ernor for each province. He holds office during 
the pleasure of the governor-general, unless ap- 
pointed after the commencement of the first session 
of parliament in which case he cannot be removed 
under five years without a good reason. 

Does a province have a legislature ? 

Each province has its own legislature. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 127 



STATE GOVERNMENTS. 

It is impossible for us to give here the form of 
governments of all the states in detail. All the 
state constitutions are similar, and all must be 
republican in form and in harmony with the 
national constitution. The difference between the 
national and state governments, is, the national 
government deals with national and exterior affairs, 
and the state government deals with state, and 
municipal and interior affairs. Each state has a 
governor and state legislature. The duty of the 
governor of the state is similar to that of the pres- 
ident of the United States ; but his power is limited 
to the state. The legislature of the states are 
almost exactly the same as the national legislature, 
having two houses, and officered the same. The 
state governments have the three departments the 
same as the national — the executive, the legislative 
and the judicial. James A. Garfield said in speak- 
ing of state governments : u It will not be denied 
that the state government touches the citizen and 
his interests twenty times where the national 
government touches him once." 

We have selected the state of Ohio as an example 
of our state governments. 



128 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 



OHIO. 

How did Ohio receive its name f 

From the Indians calling the river that forms 
the southeastern boundary " O-hee-yuh," which 
means " beautiful river." 

When was Ohio admitted into the union ? 

^November 29, 1802. 

What was the form of government previous to the 
admission ? 

It was a territory under the control of congress. 
Congress appointed a governor and three judges, 
who composed the highest court in the territory. 

Where was the first settlement under the authority of 
congress f 

At Marietta, April, 1788. 

Whom did congress appoint governor of the territory 
in ij8j ? 

General Arthur St. Clair. 
When was the first territorial legislature chosen f 

In 1799. The population had increased so they 
were entitled to a legislature. 

How was the legislature secured? 

The electors elected the members of the house, 
and these members gave ten names to the president 
of the United States, and he selected five members 
as the legislative council. 



♦Several histories gives the date of the admission February 19, 1803, the time 
it passed congress, while others give the date November 29, 1802, the day of the 
adjournment of the convention. The latter date is the date given in the con- 
gressional record. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 129 

Did the laws passing the legislature at this time have 
to be approved by the governor? 

Yes. 

Was the territory represented in congress ? 

Yes ; by a delegate elected by the people. 

When was the constitutional convention called to ask 
for admission f 

In 1802. 

Where did the first general assembly meet? 

At Chillicothe, January 11, 1803. 

Where did it move to in 1810 ? 

To Zanesville. 

When did it move to Columbus ? 

In 1816. 

What is the present capitol of Ohio f 

Columbus. 

When was the present state house completed? 

In 1856. It covers about four and one-half acres 
of ground. 

Who was the first governor of Ohio f 

Edward Tiffin. 

Name the three divisions of the constitution pertaining 
to our state government ? 

Legislative, executive and judicial. 



10 



130 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 



LEGISLATIVE. 

What does article II in the state constitution provide ? 

" The legislative power of this state shall be 
vested in a general assembly, which shall consist 
of a senate and house of representatives. " 

The House of Representatives. — How are the mem- 
bers of the house electedf 
By the people. 

How is the state divided f 

Into eighty-eight counties. 

How is the basis of representation determi7ied ? 

Every ten years the population of the state is 
divided by one hundred, and each county is en- 
titled to representative for each ratio. If a county 
has a population equaled to one-half the ratio, it 
is entitled to one representative. 

What is done with the counties where the population 
is less than one- half the 1 atio ? 

It is placed in a representative district with one 
of the adjoining counties having the smallest pop- 
ulation. 

When are the members of the house electedf 
At the general state election, which is held the 
first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. 

For how long a term are the representatives elected f 
For two years. 



EASY LESSONS IN CTVIIi GOVERNMENT. 131 

How often are these elections held? 

Every two years (the odd numbered years, as 
1895, 1897, etc.) 

Does our legislature meet every year? 

No: every two years, unless there are special 
sessions cabled by the governor. 

When does the legislature convene t 

The first Monday of January, at ten A. M., in the 
even numbered years. 

How many members are there in the house f 

One hundred and ten — in 1900. 
What salary is paid our representatives f 

Six hundred dollars a year, and twelve cents 
per mile for traveling expenses. 

Organization of the House — Who calls the house to 
order ? 

The secretary of state or the auditor of state. 

After calling the house to order what ts done f 

The house then proceeds to elect one of its own 
members as presiding officer. 

What is he called ? 

The speaker of the house. 

Besides electing the speaker, who else is elected! 

A speaker pro tempore. 

Is he a member of the house ? 

Yes. 

What officers are elected ? 

A chief clerk, a messenger clerk, an engrossing 
clerk, an enrolling clerk, a sergeant-at-arms, three 
assistant sergeants-at-arms, and pages. 



132 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

Are these members of the house ? 
No. 

What are the duties of those elected '? 
Their duties are- similar to those of same offices 
in the house of congress. 

How are the committees in the house obtained ? 

They are appointed by the speaker. 

Can the speaker vote on all questions ? 

Being a member of the house he can do so. He 
also signs all bills passed. After a bill has passed 
both houses, and has been signed by both presiding 
officers a copy is sent to the secretary of state to 
be preserved. The presenting and passing of bills 
in the Ohio legislature is similar to that in con- 
gress. (See congress.) 

Who fixes the ratio of representation ? 
A board consisting of the governor, auditor and 
secretary of state. 

What is the basis upon which our representatives are 
elected ? 

The ratio as fixed in 1891 is one representative 
for every 36,724. 

Which house has the sole right to institute impeach- 
ments ? 

The house of representatives. 

The Senate. — How many senatorial districts have 
we? 

Thirty-three. Each district has one or more 
counties. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 133 

How is the ratio of representation in the senate 
known ? 

The ratio is ascertained by dividing the popula- 
tion of the state by thirty-five. As counted in 1891 
it was 104,924; so, for this ratio the district is en- 
titled to a senator. 

If a senatorial district has not this full ratio, what is 
done ? 

The district is entitled to one senator, if it has 
three-fourths this number of inhabitants. 

What is done with districts in which the ratio falls 
below the required ratio ? 

It is attached to the adjoining district which has 
the smallest population. 

How many senators have we f 

Thirty one (1900.) 

For long is a senator elected? 

For two years. 

How is he elected? 

By the electors of the district he represents. He 
must have been a resident of the district for at 
least one year. 

What salary do senators receive ? 

Six hundred dollars per year, and twelve cents 
per mile for traveling expenses. 

Who presides in the senate t 

The lieutenant governor, by virtue of his office, 
is president of the senate. He opens the sen- 
ate the first Monday of January at ten o'clock a. 
m., and after appointing a clerk pro tempore the 
roll of the senatorial districts is called, after which 



134 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

the senators presents their credentials of election, 
and take the oath of office. 

What is then done ? 

A speaker pro tempore is elected from among 
the senators, who will preside in the absence of 
the president. 

What other officials are elected f 

A chief clerk, a journal clerk, a messenger clerk, 
an engrossing clerk, an enrolling clerk, a recording 
clerk, a sergeant-at-arms and four assistant ser- 
geants-at-arms. 

How are the standing committees obtained '? 
They are elected by the senate. 
Can the president of the senate vote ? 
Not being a member he can vote only when 
there is a tie. 

Does the president sign all bills passed in both 
houses ? 

Yes. 

How are bills headed? 

" Be it enacted by the general assembly of the 
state of Ohio." A bill can be passed only by a 
majority of all members elected to each house. 

For duties of the clerks, pages, committees, etc., 
presenting and passage of bills, see congress, page 
14, as they are similar. 



EASY LESSONS IN CTVIE GOVERNMENT. 135 



THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT. 

What provision does the constitution make for the 
executive department of the state ? 

That, " the executive department shall consist 
of governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, 
auditor of state and an attorney general, who shall 
be elected on the first Tuesday after the first Mon- 
day of November by the electors of the state, and 
at the places of voting for members of the general 
assembly.'' 

What other offices, whose incumbents are elected 
by the people, have been created by the general as- 
sembly ? 

The offices of commissioner of common schools, 
members of the board of public works and the food 
and dairy commission, There are other offices in 
the state, but they are appointive. 

When do the officers mentioned in the constitution 
enter upon their official duties f 

The second Monday in January after their elec- 
tion. 

For how long are they elected? 

For a term of two years, except the auditor, who 
serves for four years. The governor, lieutenant 
governor, auditor, treasurer and attorney general 
are chosen in the odd-numbered years, and the 
secretary of state in the even-numbered years. 



136 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

The Governor. — The constitution says : " the su- 
preme executive power of the state shall be vested 
in the governor." 

How is he elected ? 

By the electors of the state. 

For how long a time is he elected? 

For two years. 

What salary does he receive f 

Bight thousand dollars. 

What are his powers and duties f 

His duties are to see that the laws are faithfully 
executed. " He shall communicate at every ses- 
sion by message to the general assembly the con- 
dition of the state and recommend such measures 
as he shall deem expedient. '' He can call extra 
sessions of the general assembly on extraordinary 
occasions. He is commander-in-chief of the mili- 
tary and naval forces of the state, except when 
they are called into the service of the United 
States. He commissions all officers of the militia 
and appoints his own staff. He has the power, 
after conviction, to grant reprieves, commutations 
and pardons for all crimes and offenses, except 
treason, and in cases of impeachment. He can 
only grant pardons after the board of pardons have 
reported on the case. He can adjourn the general 
assembly, if both houses disagree upon an adjourn- 
ment. He is the custodian of the seal of the state 
and affixes it to all grants and commissions issued 
in the name of the state, and all other documents 
as required by law. A general record of all official 
acts, proceedings and appointments are kept in the 
governor's office. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 137 

In case of vacancies in the offices of auditor, treas- 
urer, secretary of state or attorney general^ how is 
the office filled t 

By appointment from the governor. 

Has the governor the veto power ? 

No ; Ohio is one of the four states in which the 
governor is not vested with this power. 

What are the other three states ? 

Rhode Island, Delaware and North Carolina. 

If the governor s office is vacant, or he is unable to 
perform his duties, who fills the office ? 

The lieutenant governor. 

What salary does the lieutenant governor receive? 

Eight hundred dollars per year. 

The Secretary of State. — For how long is the secre- 
tary of state chosen ? 

For two years. 

What bond must he give f 

#100,000. 

What are his duties ? 

He is the custodian of the official copies of all 
laws and resolutions that have been passed by the 
legislature, and of all reports of the executive and 
-judicial departments. He, also, must see that cor- 
rect copies are prepared for publication, and he 
distributes them as provided by law. All statis- 
tics collected and reported by township assessors, 
school directors and prosecuting attorneys are kept 
by him and from these he publishes, annually, the 
statistics concerning the public and business inter- 
ests of the state. He, also, provides the seals of 



138 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

office which the governor, judges and all other offi- 
cers are required by law to use. He is the state 
sealer of weights and measures. All articles of in- 
corporation for associations and societies must be 
filed in his office. He provides these forms of in- 
corporation. He is supervisor of elections, and 
furnishes to each county and voting district in the 
state, ballots to be used in state elections, and after 
the elections he publishes the returns. All com- 
missions issued by the governor are signed by him. 
He purchases and distributes all official stationery 
for the use of state officers and members of the leg- 
islature. 

What salary does he receive ? 

#4,000 per year. 

The Auditor of State. — For how long a time is the 
auditor of state chosen f 

For four years. 

What bond is he required to give t 

#20,000. 
What are Ms duties f 

He is the bookkeeper of the state. He must 
keep a full account of all financial transactions of 
the state government. Money can only be paid 
out of the state treasury by an order from him. 
He must examine the condition of the state treas- 
ury quarterly and report to the governor. 

What salary does he receive? 

$3,000 per year. 

The Treasurer of State. — For how long a time is 
the treasurer of the state chosen ? 

For two years. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 139 

What is he required to do before entering upon his 
official duties ? 

To give a bond acceptable to the governor in 
the sum of $600,000. He receives and pays out 
the money for the state upon orders issued by the 
auditor of state. He publishes monthly statements 
of the condition of the treasury and makes annual 
reports of all money received and paid out. 

What salary does he receive ? 
$3,000 per year. 

The Attorney General. — For how long a time is the 
attorney general elected"} 

For two years. 

What bond must he give ? 

$5,000. 

What are his duties t 

He is the legal adviser of all the executive offi- 
cers of the state, and of the directors of the state 
public institutions and of the questions submitted 
to the state legislature. He is also the prosecut- 
ing attorney of all the counties. That is, he pro- 
secutes cases in the supreme court in which the 
state is a party. He represents the state in the 
lower courts when required to do so by the gover- 
nor. When required by the governor, state legis- 
lature or other proper authority, he brings suit 
against state officers for not doing their duty. 

What salary does he receive t 
His salary is $1,500, and fees amounting to about 
$1,500. 



140 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

The Commissioner of Public Schools. — For how 

long a time is the commissioner of public schools 
elected? 

For a term of three years. 

What bond does he give ? 

$5,000. 

When does he enter upon his official duties t 

The second Monday in July following his elec- 
tion. 

What are his duties t 

He is required by law to visit annually each ju- 
dicial district in the state, and confer with boards 
of education, encourage teachers' institutes, counsel 
teachers, visit schools, etc., etc. He represents to 
the legislature the condition and needs of the com- 
mon schools of the state. 

What salary does he receive ? 

$2,000 per year and traveling expenses. 

The Board of Public Works. — How many mem- 
bers constitute the board of public works ? 

There are three. One is elected every year, and 
they serve for a term of three years. 

What great enterpise has been accomplished 
through this board? 

Two great canals have been built. One from 
Cleveland to Portsmouth, and one from Toledo to 
Cincinnati. These canals are under their super- 
vision. They fix the toll rates and appoint toll 
collectors and lock tenders. The chief engineer 
is appointed by the governor. 

What bond is required of each member ? 

$30,000. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIE GOVERNMENT. 141 

Jlinor Executive Officers. — There are a great 
many minor officers and boards, appointed by the 
governor, with the consent of the senate, such as a 
board of pardons, consisting of four members; 
board of school examiners, five members, serving 
five years ; state board of agriculture, twelve mem- 
bers, and serving two years. Of agricultural ex- 
periment stations there are three members, serving 
three years, and of the forestry bureau there are 
three members, serving six years. The commis- 
sioner of labor statistics serves two years. The 
board of state charities is composed*' of the gover- 
nor and seven other members appointed by him, 
to serve three years. A commissioner of railroads 
and telegraphs, serving two years; canal commis- 
sioners, serving two years ; a board of pharmacy, five 
members, serving eight years; a state geologist ; 
commissioners of public printing, the secretary of 
state, the auditor of state and the attorney general ; 
commissioners of sinking fund are also the secretary 
of state, the auditor of state and attorney general ; a 
board of arbitration, three members, serving three 
years ; a board of dental examiners, five members, 
serving three years ; a free employment bureau, five 
superintendents, serving two years ; inspector of 
mines, one chief inspector, serving four years, and 
seven assistant inspectors, serving three years; in- 
spector of work shops and factories, one chief in- 
spector,serving four years,and eleven district inspec- 
tors, serving three years ; supervisor of public print- 
ing and binding, two years ; state library, the gover- 
nor, secretary of state and the state librarian ; the 
state librarian, serving two years; live stock commis- 
sioners, three members, serving three years. The 



142 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

dairy food commissioner, since 1891, has been an 
elective instead of an appointive office ; elected for 
two years. The superintendent of insurance and 
inspector of buildings and loan associations serves 
three years ; inspector of oils, two state inspectors, 
serving two years, and thirty deputies, serving 
two years ; state board of veterinary examiners, 
three members, serving six years ; meteorological 
bureau, three members. (Some of the members of 
these department executives of the state are ex- 
officio members). 

How are our state institutions controlled t 
By a state board of control. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVEBNMENT. 143 



THE JUDICIARY, 

What is meant by the judiciary department ? 

The constitution says: "The judicial power of 
the state shall be vested in a supreme court, circuit 
courts, courts of common pleas, courts of probate, 
justices of the peace and such other courts, inferior 
to the supreme court, as the general assembly may 
from time to time establish." 

What is the duty of the legislative department ? 

To make laws, and it is the duty of the judiciary 
to interpret them and to declare what is and what is 
not constitutional law. And in order to have this 
done the judicial department consists of a system 
of courts. 

What is a court 

It is an organized tribunal established to admin- 
ister the laws for the people. These courts are 
composed of one or more judges. 

How are the cases brought for trial? 
By attorneys. The clerks of the courts must 
record the acts and decisions. 

What is a case before the court called? 
A suit or law suit. They are either civil or 
criminal. 

The court proper is composed of how many classes 
of judges ? 

Two ; the judge and jury. 



144 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL, GOVERNMENT. 

What is a jury? 

A number of men secured according to law to 
inquire into and to determine the facts concerning 
a case submitted to them, and to render a decision 
upon the evidence stated. When a case is heard 
before a jury, the court, or judge, states to the jury 
the law relating to the case. This is called charg- 
ing the jury. The jury then is to find a verdict in 
harmony with the facts and law. 

What classes of jury have we ? 

The grand jury and the petit jury. 

What is a civil case ? 

A suit brought to recover a debt, damages or to 
secure civil rights. Civil cases are brought by the 
injured person or persons. 

What is a criminal suit ? 

A criminal suit is brought to convict a person 
of crime. In criminal cases the suit is brought in 
by the state, represented by officers chosen, the 
officers being the grand jurors and the prosecuting 
attorney. 

How are juries secured? 

The statutes declare that at the first term of 
each year the common pleas court of each county 
shall determine the number of persons necessary 
to be selected from each county annually to serve 
as petit jurors and grand jurors in the various 
courts of the county. 

Who appoints the number determined upon among 
the township and city wards ? 
The clerk of the court. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIE GOVERNMENT. 145 

When is the appointment of these persons made ? 

On election day the township trustees and city 
councilmen select the required number of persons, 
and the selections are reported to the clerk ot the 
court. 

What is then done ? 

The clerk writes the names on separate pieces 
of paper and drops them into a box provided for 
that purpose. The number in the box is always 
in excess of the number of jurors required. 

When are the names drawn out f 

At a certain time before each term of court 
the clerk opens and draws from the box, in the 
presence of the sheriff, twenty-seven names. 

How are these to be divided? 

Fifteen for grand jurors and twelve for petit 
jurors. 

Who summons the persons thus selected ? 

The sheriff. 

At the beginning of the trial the parties, through 
their attorneys, may question the jurors thus se- 
lected, and if any objections are found they are 
excused and the sheriff summons some by-stander 
to take his place. 

What compensation do jurors and witnesses re- 
ceive t 

Jurors in common pleas courts receive $2.00 per 
day. Witnesses receive one dollar per day and 
five cents per mile each way. If there is a jury in 
the justice of the peace court trial they are paid 
seventy-five cents per day each, and the witnesses 
are paid fifty cents per day. 
11 



146 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

The Trial. What is the party bringing the suit 
called? 

The plaintiff. 

The patty against whom the suit is brought is called 
what ? 

The defendant. 

Who presents the case to the court ? 

The attorneys employed by both parties, unless 
it is a case where the state is the plaintiff, such as 
criminal cases. Then the prosecuting attorney 
represents the interests of the state. 

Describe a trial by jury. 

The statutes provide as follows : A jury is se- 
cured and sworn in. Then the plaintiff states his 
claim and briefly states the evidence by which he 
expects to sustain it. The defendant then briefly 
states his defense and the evidence he expects to 
offer in support of it. Witnesses of the plaintiff 
are sworn in and examined by the counsel for the 
plaintiff, after which they may be cross-examined 
by the counsel of the defendant. The counsel of 
the defendant presents his witnesses, each one is 
examined, then both the plaintiff and the defend- 
ant presents to the jury arguments in favor of their 
side of the question, and the judge of the court 
instructs the jurors, after interpreting the law as 
applied to the case, and the jurors retire. 

The jurors must be kept together in some con- 
venient place under the charge of an officer, until 
they agree upon a verdict, or are discharged by 
the court, subject to the discretion of the court to 
permit them to separate temporarily at meals. 
The officer having them in charge shall not suffer 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 147 

any communication to be made to them or make 
any himself except to ask them if they have 
agreed upon their verdict, unless order of the 
court. 

What is done if the jury disagrees ? 

The judge dismisses the case and it stands as if 
it had not been tried. 

If they agree and a verdict is returned, what is done f 

The verdict is reduced to writing and signed by 
the foreman ; the jurors are then taken to the court 
room, their names called by the clerk, and the ver- 
dict rendered by the foreman, then the clerk reads 
the verdict to the jury and inquires whether it is 
their verdict. If it is a civil case the judge orders 
the sheriff to enforce the verdict. If it is a crimi- 
nal case the judge pronounces sentences against 
the accused and directs the sheriff to carry it into 
effect. 

What is the highest court in the state ? 

The supreme court. 

How many judges has it ? 

Six, one elected each year, and who serves a 
term of six years. 

When does their term begin ? 

In February next after their election. 

Who is the chief justice ? 

Each year the judge whose term of office has 
most nearly expired becomes the chief justice of 
the state. 

What is the salary of the judges of the supreme 
court ? 

$4, 000 a year. 



148 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

When does the term of the supreme court open ? 

In January, beginning the Tuesday after the 
first Monday. 

Where is it held ? 

In Columbus. 

What number is necessary to render a decision ? 

A majority. 

How is the clerk of the supreme court elected? 

By the people of the state, for a term of three 
years. 

What is done if a case is brought from a lower court 
and the supreme court is evenly divided ? 

The decision of the lower court is regarded as 
final. 

What is meant by the jurisdiction of the supreme 
court ? 

It means that it has power to hear and examine 
cases. It is both original and appellate. 

What is meant by original ? 

That a case or suit must begin in that court. 

What is meant by appellate jurisdiction ? 

When a case is carried up from a lower to a 
higher court, for the sake of having the decision of 
the lower court re-examined. 

Does the supreme court have a jury ? 

No ; and no new evidence as to the facts in the 
case is admitted. The supreme court either 
affirms the decision of the lower court, modifies or 
reverses it, or sends the case back to be tried again. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 149 

Is the decision of the state supreme court final ? 

Yes ; except where the constitution and laws of 
the United States are involved. In such cases an 
appeal may be taken to the United States supreme 
court. 

Are all decisions published? 

Yes ; the court has a reporter who prepares the 
decisions for publication. 

The Circuit Court. How is the state divided? 
The counties of the state are grouped into eight 
judicial circuits, with one circuit court in each. 

How many judges in each circuit? 

Three ; one elected biennially for a term of six 
years. They are elected by the voters. The 
circuit courts have both appellate and original 
jurisdiction. The main work of the circuit court 
is the rehearing of the cases on appeals or errors 
from the next lower court. 

Hoiv many terms of court are held a year? 
There must be two terms of court held every 
year in each county. 

How are the terms fixed? 

The third Tuesday of September the circuit 
judges meet at Columbus and fix the time for the 
court to meet in each county, and the clerks of the 
courts are thus informed. This order is recorded 
and published in the newspapers. 

What salaries do these judges receive? 
#4,000 a year. 



150 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

The Courts of Common Pleas. How many com- 
mon pleas districts are there in the state ? 

The state is divided into ten common pleas dis- 
tricts, and if they contain three or more counties 
they are divided into three sub-divisions each. 

How are the jndges elected '? 

By the sub-districts, the number being fixed by 
law. 

How long do they serve t 

For a term of five years. 

Has this court original and appellate jurisdiction! 

Yes ; a great many cases of importance begin 
here, and cases are appealed from lower courts to 
this. 

How many terms are held each year? 

There must be at least three sessions held in 
each county every year. 

What salaries do these judges receive ? 

$2,500 a year each, except where the legislature 
authorizes an extra salary in some districts where 
the work is very heavy. The extra salaries are 
paid by the county. In Hamilton county the 
judges receive $6,000 and in Cuyahoga county 
$5,000. 

The Justice of the Peace and the flunicipal 
Courts. — How are justices of the peace elected? 

By the electors in the township in which they 
live. The state is divided into townships and 
each township has one or more justices of the 
peace. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 151 

What authority has a justice of the peace f 

To try civil cases involving small amounts. He 
can cause the arrest of persons suspected of com- 
mitting crime, and if guilty either have them sent 
to jail or put under bond for their appearance in 
the next term of the court of common pleas. 

What is the lowest of all the courts ? 

That which is held by the justice of the peace. 
He tries many cases of petty offenses. 

Has the justice of the peace any authority outside of 
the township in which he is elected? 

No. 

For hozv long a term are justices of the peace electedt 

Three years. 

What courts besides these are held in cities and vil- 
lages? 

Mayor's or police courts, where persons are tried 
for petty offenses. 

What provision does the constitution make for pro- 
bate courts ? 

The constitution says: "The probate court shall 
have jurisdiction in probate and testamentary mat- 
ters, the appointment of administrators and guar- 
dians, the settlement of the accounts of executors, 
administrators and guardians, and such jurisdic- 
tion in habeas corpus, and the issuing of marriage 
licenses, and for sale of land by executors, admin- 
istrators and guardians, and such other jurisdic- 
tion, in any county or counties, as may be pro- 
vided by law.'' 

How many probate courts have we in the state ? 

Eighty-eight. One in each county. 



152 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

How many probate judges have we ? 
Eighty-eight. One for each county. They are 
elected for a term of three years. 

What special act passed the state legislature in 
March, 1896? 

An act creating for Cuyahoga county a court of 
insolvency, with a judge elected for five years, and 
who receives the same salary as the probate judge 
of the county, $5,000. 

The Militia. — What is the state militia ? 

It is a military organization of the state. 

What provision does the constitution make per- 
taining to the militia ? 

That "all white male citizens, residents of this 
state, being eighteen years of age, and under the 
age of forty-five years, shall be enrolled in the 
militia, and perform military duty, in such man- 
ner, not incompatible with the constitution and 
laws of the United States, as may be prescribed by 
law." 

What does the above statute mean ? 

That although all persons are enrolled, they are 
only liable to be pressed into service in case of 
war. 

Have we an organized militia in the state ? 

Yes; the Ohio national guards, composed of vol- 
unteers of military age, enlisting for five years. 

Who are exempt from this law ? 

Idiots, lunatics, convicts and persons whose 
religious faith prevent them from going to war or 
carrying arms. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 153 

Who is commander of the state military forces ? 

The governor, except when they are called out 
in the United States service. 

What appointments for the militia are made by 
the governor t 

The adjutant general, quartermaster-general and 
such other officers as are provided for by law. 

Who is the chief of the governors staff? 

The adjutant general. 

State Institutions. What of the state institutions t 

Ohio has a great many state institutions, such as 
educational, penal, reformatory and institutions 
for the unfortunate. 

How are these institutions supported f 

By the state. 

How are the appointments of these institutions 
made ? 

By the trustees, and confirmed by the governor. 

Education. What provision does the state consti- 
tution make for our public schools ? 

It says : " The general assembly shall make 
such provision by taxation and otherwise, as, with 
the income arising from the school trust fund, will 
secure a thorough and effective system of common 
schools throughout the state ; but no religious or 
other sect, or sects, shall ever have any exclusive 
right to, and control of, any part of the school 
funds of the state." 

How is the state divided t 

Into small school districts, so that all may have 
the advantage of the free public schools. 



154 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

How is the money raised to support our public 
schools t 

By tax, mostly. 

Who is the official head of the public schools of the 
state ? 

The state commissioner of common schools. 

When was, the law passed granting woman suffrage 
in school elections ? 

In 1894. 

Incorporations. What is meant by incorporations t 
It means the binding together, or uniting in one 
body. 

What are the first steps to incorporate ? 
The statutes say : "Any number of persons, not 
less than five/a majority of whom are citizens of 
this state, desiring to become incorporated, shall 
subscribe and acknowledge, before an officer au- 
thorized to take acknowledgments of deeds, articles 
of incorporation, the form of which shall be pre- 
scribed by the secretary of state. " 

What must these articles contain if for profit? 

First, the name of the corporation ; second, 
where the corporation is to be located ; third, the 
purpose of said corporation, and the number of 
shares into which the stock is divided. 

If it is for non-profit ', what do the articles contain ? 

First, the name of the association ; second, 
where located or place of principal business, 
together with the names and residences of the 
principal officers ; third, the purpose of the incor- 
poration. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 155 

What is then done ? 

A charter is issued to the persons named in the 
application for the incorporation. 

Elections. What is meant by an elector •? 

Every male citizen of the United States of the 
age of twenty-one years — and women when they 
vote. 

How long must they be residents of the state ? 

One year, and thirty days in county ; and in the 
township, village or ward, twenty days. 

Who are prohibited by the constitution from voting t 

Persons convicted of bribery, perjury, crime> 
also idiots and insane people. 

Can women vote in Ohio ? 

Only on the school question. 

How are the candidates for office nominated ? 

By the political parties at nominating conven- 
tions, and at the primaries. 

What are primaries f 

By primaries is meant the meetings of the 
members of a political party in a district or pre- 
cinct to nominate candidates for office or to elect 
delegates to a convention. The law prescribes 
how the primaries shall be held and the commit- 
tees of the party fixes the dates. 

What is a nominating convention ? 

A convention of chosen delegates to nominate 
candidates. 

How are candidates chosen? 

Sometimes in primaries and sometimes in con- 
ventions. County officers are chosen usually at a 



156 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

delegated convention — delegates chosen in pri- 
maries in the township and in city wards. 

How are the state officers chosen f 
By a delegated convention composed of dele- 
gates chosen from the counties. 

How are the state senators nominated ? 

By senatorial district conventions composed of 
delegates. 

How is the president and vice-president of the United 
States nominated f 

By a nominating convention of delegates from 
the states. 

To how many delegates is each state entitled in a 
national convention ? 

To twice as many delegates as it has members 
in congress. Ohio is entitled to forty-six dele- 
gates. 

How are the delegates elected? 

Four are elected at the state convention and are 
called delegates-at-large, and the others are elected 
by the congressional conventions in the state. 

Are the territories represented in national conven- 
tions ? 

Usually two or more are admitted from each 
territory. 

Who is at the head of the elections in the state ? 

The state supervisor of elections. 

Who is this? 

By virtue of his office the secretary of state. 
He controls all elections except for school directors 
and road supervisors. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL. GOVERNMENT. 157 

Who appoints the county board of deputy state super- 
visors f 

The state supervisor of elections appoints for 
each county four members as the board of elec- 
tions. They are appointed on or before the first 
Monday of August, two biennially and for a term 
of four years. 

When do these deputy supervisors meet and organize ? 

They meet at the county commissioners office 

at least thirty days before the November election, 

and choose one of the members for clerk and one 

for president. 

What are the duties of these deputies f 

They must appoint, annually, judges and clerks 
of elections for every voting precinct. The law 
requires that they " shall advertise and let the 
printing of ballots, cards of instruction and other 
required books and papers to be printed by the 
county." They see that each precinct is provided 
with ballots, also poll books, tallysheets and other 
required books and papers belonging to each 
polling place. They must, also, see that suitable 
polling places are provided for the voters accord- 
ing to law. 

Can a person who is a candidate serve as a judge or 
clerk of elections f 
No. 

How many officers are required at each election pre- 
cinct? 

The board of deputy state supervisors, at least 
ten days before the election, appoints for each 
precinct four judges and two clerks, (except in 



158 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

cities where the voters must register where they 
are appointed by the city board of elections.) 
There cannot be more than two judges and one 
clerk belonging to the same political party. 

Do all judges and clerks have to take the oath of 
office? 

Yes. 

Can a judge or clerk challenge a voter as to his right 
to vote ? 

Yes. 

What are the duties of the judges and clerks? 

They, on the day of election, receive and count 
the ballots and send in the returns. 

What compensation do these judges receive? 

For meeting the county board, receiving the 
ballots, blanks, and papers to hold an election, the 
presiding judge receives two dollars, and, also, five 
cents per mile traveling to and from the county 
seat; and those carrying in the returns receive the 
same. The judges and clerks of elections receive 
three dollars for each day. For compensation 
of judges and clerks in cities of the first and sec- 
ond class see revised statutes. 

Registration of Voters. What is required of cities 
of the first and second class? 

The electors must register annually before the 
November election. 

How is this done? 

The board of elections appoint two of the judges 
of each precinct of different parties, and on certain 
days electors must register to be entitled to vote. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIIi GOVERNMENT. 159 

Notice of Election. What is required of the sher- 
iff of each county before election? 

Fifteen days before the November election he 
issues a proclamation throughout the county, of 
the time, and place of holding the election and 
officers to be voted for. 

How is this done? 

He is required to post copies of his proclamation 
at the polling places and publish it in the news- 
paper. 

How are municipal elections announced? 

In a similar way only by the mayor instead of 
the sheriff. 

How are the township elections announced? 

By the trustees, the constable posting the no- 
tices in the polling places. 

When is the state and county election day for electing 
members of congress, the president, and all state and 
county officers? 

The first Tuesday after the first Monday in No- 
vember. 

When are the township and municipal officers elected^. 

The first Monday in April. 

Australian Ballot. What is our present system of 
voting f 

The Australian and is known to us as the Austra- 
lian Ballot. It was first used in Australia in 1857. 

When was it first used in this coimtry ? 
In 1888 it was used in St. Louis, Mo., and in 
some places in Massachusetts. 



160 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

Have all the states adopted this system of voting f 
Nearly all. 

What advantage has the present system over the 
old way of voting ? 

Now every voter can deposit a secret ballot and 
he avoids intimidation. 

At what hour on election day are the polls declared 
open? 

At 5:30 a. m. (standard time) the presiding judge 
of election declares the polls open and at 5:30 p. m. 
they are closed except in Cincinnati where they 
are closed at 4 p. m. 

How are the voting places arranged? 

The law requires the room in which the elec- 
tion is to be held to be divided into two parts by a 
railing. One place for the election officers and the 
ballot box and the other is made into closets called 
voting booths. 

What is the first thing an elector does upon enter- 
ing the voting place ? 

He gives his name and address to the officer 
and if his name is on the register's or assessor's 
book he is given an official ballot. 

What is on the ballot? 

The names of the candidates of all the different 
parties. These are arranged in separate columns. 
No ballots but those prepared and provided by 
law can be used. 

What does the elector do next ? 

He retires to one of the voting booths and, in 
private, prepares his ballot. 



EASY EESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 161 

Can two persons occupy the same booth at the 
same timet 
No. 

How long is he allowed to prepare his ballot ? 
Five minutes. 

With what must all marks be made ? 
With a black lead pencil. 
If the elector spoils the first ballot what ca?i he do f 

Secure others, one at a time, until he has had 
three. 

What becomes of the soiled ballots ? 

They are delivered to the officers and immedi- 
ately destroyed. 

If the elector is imable to mark his own ballot what 
can he do ? 

Ask for assistance. Then two judges of differ- 
ent political parties help him mark it or mark it 
for him. 

If the elector wants to vote i( a straigJit ticket,"* {that 
is for every candidate of his political party,) how does 
he mark his ballot? 

He makes a cross (x) within the circle at the 
head of the column containing the names of all the 
candidates of his party. 

If he wishes to vote a u mixed ticket" or for only a 
part of the ticket how does he mark Ids ballot f 

He makes a cross (x) opposite the names of the 
candidates for whom he wishes to vote. 
12 



162 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

If the elector wishes to vote for any person whose 
name does not appear on the ticket can he do so f 

Yes, by filling in the blank space which is left 
on the ticket for that purpose. 

What then is done with the ballots ? 

Before leaving the booth the elector folds his 
ballot so as not to display the marks thereon. The 
ballot is then given to one of the election officers 
who detaches the secondary stub bearing the elec- 
tor's registered number or name, and deposits the 
ballot in the ballot box. The secondary stubs are 
preserved until the polls are closed and then they 
are destroyed, before the ballot box is opened, to- 
gether with the unused ballots. 

What is next done? 

The judges and clerks must then certify on the 
poll books the number of electors entered and 
voted. The presiding judge then proclaims in a 
loud voice outside the polling room the number of 
votes so shown on the poll books. 

What is then done ? 

If it is a registered precinct they are checked off 
on the duplicate registers. The ballot box is then 
opened and all the ballots are first counted by the 
judges. 

What is done if there are more ballots in the box 
than the number entered in the poll-books ? 

One of the judges, with his back to the ballot 
box, and without seeing, draws out and destroys 
the number equal to the excess. 



EASY EESSOXS IX CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 163 

How are the ballots counted? 

One of the judges takes the ballots from the box, 
one at a time and reads aloud, while the ballot is 
in his hand, all the names on the ballot. He then 
hands it to the other judges for inspection. 

Who keeps the tally sheet? 

The clerks. 

After all ballots have been counted what is done ? 

The tally-sheets are signed by the judges and 
clerks and returns are made to the proper officers 
as required by law. 

What is done with the ballots after they have . been 
counted ? 

They are burned by the judges. 

The County. How is the state of Ohio divided ? 

Into sub-divisions, called counties. 

How many comities have we ? 

Eighty-eight. 

What is the county seat of a county ? 

It is where the court house is located and the 
important official business of the county is trans- 
acted. 

What are the county officers ? 

Commissioners, auditor, treasurer, recorder, sur- 
veyor, infirmary directors, clerk of courts, sheriff, 
coroner, prosecuting attorney and probate judge. 

When does the election of these officers take place ? 

The constitution says : ''County officers shall be 
elected on the first Tuesday after the first Monday 
in November by the electors of each county in 



164 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

such manntr, and for such term, not exceeding 
three years, as may be provided by law." 

When these officers are elected, what are they 
required to do ? 

To take the oath of office and give bond. 

Who gives them a certificate of election ? 
■ The governor. 

The County Commissioners. How many commis- 
sioners has each county ? 

Three ; one member being chosen each year, 
and the term of office is for three years. 

How often are they required to meet ? 

Once in three months at the county seat. 

What are their duties} 

To look after the condition of our roads and 
ditches and build and repair bridges. They have 
supervision of county property. They are required 
to furnish and maintain a court house, a jail, an 
infirmary, and furnish offices for the county offi- 
cers. They must let the contracts for the erection 
of county buildings, furnishings, repairs, etc. It 
is their duty to make the levy of taxes for the 
support of the county. 

What salaries do county commissioners receive? 

In most counties they receive $3.00 per day for 
working days, but in some counties there is a 
fixed annual salary. 

Who is the secretary of the board t 

The county auditor. 

What bond are the commissioners required to give? 

Not less than $5,000. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 165 

The Treasurer. — How is the treasurer elected? 

By the electors, for a term of two years. 

What are his duties ? 

He collects all taxes and pays out the money 
from the county treasury. If tax payers do not 
pay their taxes he causes the property to be ad- 
vertised and sold at public sale for same. He 
must keep his accounts open to the inspection of 
the commissioners. 

What salary does he receive ? 

It is not the same in all counties, audit depends 
upon the amount of taxes collected, as he gets a 
percentage. 

What bond must he give f 
This is directed by the county commissioners. 

The County Auditor. — How is the county auditor 
elected? 

By the electors, for a term of three years. 

What are his duties t 

He is the bookkeeper of the county, and must 
keep the account of all money received and paid 
out by the county treasurer. Money can only be 
paid out of the treasury by warrants issued by the 
auditor. He must make a list of all taxable prop- 
erty in the county, as furnished by the assessors. 
He must furnish county treasurers duplicate tax 
lists. By virtue of his office he is the county sealer 
of weights and measures. The auditor and 
treasurer must make settlements twice a year. 
What bond does he give ? 

Not less than #5,000. 



166 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

The Recorder. — How is the recorder elected ? 

By electors of the county, for a term of three 
years. 

What are his duties? 

He must keep the official copies of all legal 
papers pertaining to the transfer of houses and 
lands. He records mortgages, looks after the titles 
of land, and when land is sold the deeds are re- 
corded by him at the county seat. 

Does he receive a stated salary ? 
No ; he is paid by those transacting business 
with him, who have papers recorded. 

What bond is he required to give ? 

$2,500. 

The County Surveyor. How is the county sur- 
veyor elected? 

By the electors, for a term of three years. 

What are his duties ? 

He must make all surveys of lands when the 
boundaries are disputed in court, unless the parties 
or court agree upon someone else. He must 
survey all lands that are sold for taxes. County 
roads, ditches and bridges, etc., are surveyed by 
him. 

What bond is he required to give ? 

Two thousand dollars, with two or more secur- 
ities to the satisfaction of the county commission- 
ers. 

What salary does he receive ? 

He receives as salary whatever is ordered by the 
county commissioners for his work. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 167 

The Infirmary Directors. How are the infirmary 
directors elected? 

In counties where they have infirmaries, or 
county poor houses supported by the county, the 
electors of the county elect three directors, one 
each year, to serve a term of three years. 

What are the duties of these directors ? 

To look after the general management of the 
infirmary. To appoint a superintendent and fix 
his salary. They usually admit paupers to the 
infirmary upon information of the trustees of the 
township. The directors make the rules that 
govern the institution. They must make semi- 
annual reports to the county commissioners. 
What salary do they receive ? 

Two dollars and fifty cents for every day devot- 
ed to official work. 

What bond do they give f 

Not less than £2,000, nor more than £30,000. 

The Coroner. How ts the coroner elected? 

By the electors, for a term of two years. 

What are his ditties ? 

When the body of a person whose death is sup- 
posed to have been caused by violence, is found in 
the county, it is reported to the coroner, and he 
must hold an '' inquest," or examination, for the 
purpose of finding out how the person met with 
death. He has the power to issue subpoenas for 
witnesses, if necessary. If he finds that death 
was caused by another person he can cause such 
person to be placed under arrest and brought to 
trial. 



168 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

What salary does he receive ? 

With the exception of a few counties, which are 
provided for by special act, the coroner does not 
receive a fixed salary, but is paid certain fees. In 
counties containing a city of the second or third 
grade of the first class, he is paid, in lieu of fees, 
two thousand dollars a year. 

What bond does he give f 

Not less than $5,000, nor more than $50,000. 
The sum is fixed by the county commissioners. 

The Sheriff. — For how long is the sheriff elected t 

For two years. 

What are his duties f 

As he is the ministerial officer of the courts, he 
or a deputy must attend the court of common 
pleas and circuit courts. He must preserve the 
public peace and cause the arrest of all offenders 
against it, and cause them to be brought to trial. 
He serves all subpoenas issued to witness, except 
those issued by justices of the peace. He has 
charge of prisoners on trial and of the witnesses, 
and summons jurors. He has charge of the county 
jail and prisoners. He must always serve notice 
or issue a printed proclamation of all general elec- 
tions. He must conduct the sale of property when 
it has been ordered to be sold for debts. 

What salary does he receive ? 

He has no stated salary, but is paid by fees for 
the various duties he must perform, or the amount 
of business done. 

What bond must he give? 

Not less than $5,000, nor more than $50,000, 
which is fixed by the county commissioners. 



EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 169 

The Clerk of the Courts. — For how long is the clerk 
of the courts elected? 

For a term of three years. 

What are his duties? 

He must act as clerk of the court of common 
pleas, and the circuit court of the county. 
The clerk must enter all orders, decrees, judg- 
ments and proceedings of the courts, and must 
make a complete record of every case tried in both 
of the courts. He has power as clerk to administer 
oaths and take and certify affidavits, and deposi- 
tions, and acknowlegements of deeds and mortga- 
ges. He must make an annual report to the sec- 
retary of state of Uie cases tried in the courts. 

What salary does he receive f 

He is paid by fees for the various kinds of work 
done. 

The Prosecuting Attorney. — For how long is the 
prosecuting attorney elected? 

For three years. 

What are his duties ? 

As prosecuting attorney he must prosecute, on 
behalf of the state, in any of the courts of the 
county (except the justice's courts) all suits, mat- 
ters and controversies, as directed by law. He 
must prepare in legal form the official bonds for 
county officers and see that they are properly 
signed. He is also the legal adviser of all county 
officers, and he must make an annual report to the 
state attorney-general of all crimes prosecuted in 
the county. 



170 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

What bond is he required to give ? 
Not less than a thousand dollars, the sum to be 
fixed by the courts. 

What salary does he receive ? 

It is not the same in all counties. 

The Probate Judge. For how long is the probate 
judge elected? 

For three years. 

What are his duties ? 

To transact the business of the probate court. 
(See probate court.) 

What salary does he receive ? 
This depends upon the work done by him in 
the county. He receives fees. 

The Township. How are the counties of Ohio di- 
vided? 

Into townships. Each township is a corporate 
body and can sue and be sued in the courts in the 
person of its officers. It can also receive, hold and 
dispose of real or personal property, borrow money 
for the use of the township, and taxes may be 
levied on the township for the expenses of the 
same. 

Who are the officers of the township ? 

They are the trustees, clerk, treasurer, justices 
of the peace, constables, assessors and road super- 
visors. 

Whe?i are these township officers elected? 
The first Monday of April of each year. 



EASY LESSONS IX CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 171 

The Trustees. For how long are the trustees 
elected? 

There are three trustees in each township, elect- 
ed for three years. 

What are their duties ? 

They transact the official business of the town- 
ship. They represent the township in suits at 
law ; they look after public property, determine 
the amount of money necessary for the expenses 
of the township and levy an annual tax for the 
same. They look after the paupers ; they may 
order new roads and ditches made ; they have 
charge of the township's cemeteries ; they must 
provide town halls and a public library, if the 
electors of the township, by vote, order it. 

What compensation do they receive ? 

They are paid a fixed sum for each day they 
work for the township. 

The Clerk. — For how long is the township clerk 
elected? 

For two years. 

What are his duties ? 

He must keep a record of all the proceedings of 
the board of trustees. He keeps a record with 
description of roads and ditches. All the records,, 
books, and papers of the township are kept by him. 
He keeps an account of all official debts, receipts 
and expenditures of the trustees. He places on 
file all chattel mortgages given in the township. 
He is also the clerk of the township school dis- 
trict. 

What salary does he receive? 

A fee for the amount of work done. 



172 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

The Treasurer. — For how long is the township 
treasurer elected? 

For two years. 

What are his duties ? 

He is the custodian of the township funds. The 
money belonging to the township from taxes col- 
lected by the county treasurer are turned over to 
the township treasurer. 

How can he pay out money f 

Only on orders drawn by the trustees and coun- 
tersigned by the clerk. He is also treasurer of the 
township school district. 

What salary does lie receive ? 

He is allowed two per cent on all money paid 
out by him. 

The Assessor. — For how long is the assessor elected? 

He is elected for one year. 

What are his duties ? 

He must list the value of all personal property 
in the township subject to taxation. This list must 
be forwarded to the county auditor, and each per- 
son's taxes are made out for the year. He collects 
facts concerning agriculture, manufactures, and 
other industrial interests ; also business statistics. 

What compensation does he receive ? 

He is paid two dollars for each day's work. 

The Constable.— For how long is the constable 
elected? 

For three years. 

What are his duties ? 

To preserve peace in the township and arrest 
all violators of the law. He may be called upon 



EASY LESSONS IX CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 17ft 

to serve warrants and subpoena witnesses for 
county courts. He must preserve order at the 
polling places on election days. 

The Supervisor of Roads. For how long are the 
supervisors of roads elected? 

For one year. 

What are their duties ? 

The trustees of the township divide the town- 
ship into road districts, and a supervisor is elected 
for each district. His duties are to open all public 
roads and highways and keep the same in repair 
in his district, as ordered by the trustees. 

How is the money raised for taking care of our 
roads ? 

By taxation. Every male between twenty-one 
and fifty-five years of age is responsible for two 
days' work annually on the roads, at the rate of 
one dollar and fifty cents per day. All of this 
work is under the direction of the supervisor of 
the district. 

flunicipal Corporations. What are the different 
forms of municipal corporations f 

They are the city, village and hamlet. 

How are municipal corporations formed f 

They are organized under the general state laws 
which make provision for their form of govern- 
ment and power. 

What advantage is it to a community to incorporate t 

It has the advantage of local government. 

How may a community incorporate ? 

The inhabitants wishing to incorporate draft a 
petition, signed by not less than thirty electors, 



174 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

residing within the proposed corporate limit, and 
the petition is presented to the board of commis- 
sioners ; then the petition has a hearing at the 
regular meeting. If, after due consideration, and 
notice having been given, there is no reason why 
it should not be granted, the commissioners allow 
the corporation to organize. The corporation 
papers, giving name, etc., are recorded, and the 
time for the first election of officers is fixed by the 
agent of the petitioners. 

Hamlet. What is a hamlet? 

A hamlet is a municipal corporation with less 
than two hundred population. After being incor- 
porated they have certain rights of governing 
themselves, such as the right of municipal gas, 
electric lights, sidewalks, sewers, railways, etc., 
which may be granted or not by vote of the people. 

What are the officers of a hamlet? 

Three trustees, a treasurer, a clerk, a marshal 
and a supervisor of roads. The duties of these 
officers are nearly the same as the officers in the 
township. The principal authority of a hamlet is 
in the board of trustees. When a hamlet has 
grown to more than two hundred they can be in- 
corporated as a village by vote of the electors. 

Village. — What is a village? 

A municipal corporation with a population more 
than two hundred and less than five thousand, and 
which has a form of organization to govern them- 
selves in municipal affairs. 

In whom is the legislative power vested? 

In a council elected by the electors. 

Who are the executive officers ? 

A mayor, a clerk, a treasurer and a marshal. 



EASY EESS0XS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 175 

The Council. — What are the duties of the council? 

To look after the property, finances, and general 
welfare and progress of the village : such as water 
works, sewers, fire protection, etc. 

Who is president of the council f 

The mayor, 

Who is the chief executive officer f 

The mayor. 

What are his duties f 

It is his duty to see that peace and order prevail 
in the corporation, to enforce the ordinances, to 
appoint officers not elected. He must hold court, 
known as mayor's court, and he has power to try 
cases. 

The riarshal. — What office does a marshal hold in 
a village? 

He is the chief police, and his duties are similar 
to those of the chief of police in cities or the sheriff 
in the county. 

City. — - What is a city t 

When a village has grown in population to five 
thousand or more, by vote of the electors it may 
become a city. 

How are cities divided! 

Into two classes, and these classes are divided 
into grades, and are based upon the population. 
As the law provides for each grade in the city gov- 
ernment, and they differ in different cities in Ohio, 
we will give but a general outline. Cities are di- 
vided into wards, and in most cases the wards are 
divided into precincts. 

What are the officers of a city ? 

The legislative officers are the city councilmen. 
The executive officers are a mayor, a marshal, (or 



176 EASY LESSONS IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

chief of police), a solicitor, a street commissioner 
and a treasurer. These are elected by the people. 
The city council elects its own secretary, who is 
called the city clerk. 

The City Council. What are its duties ? 

The duties are similar to the council in a vil- 
lage, but more extensive. In some cities ordin- 
ances for the expenditure of money granting a 
franchise, are submitted to the mayor for approval. 
If vetoed it may pass the council by a vote of two- 
thirds of the members present. The city council 
elects its own president. 

The riayor. The duties of the mayor have been 
described in the village government, except he is 
not the president of the council, and in some cities 
he has the veto power ; also, if there is a police 
judge there is no mayor's court. 

The Clerk. How is the city clerk elected 1 

By the council, as the secretary. 

What are hts duties ? 

To attend the meetings of the council, to keep a 
record of all proceedings and of the ordinances 
passed, and to publish the same. He is the cus- 
todian of the records, papers, books, laws, and 
ordinances of the city. 

The Other City Officers. The treasurer, some- 
times called comptroller, or auditor, is the book- 
keeper for the city. The solicitor or prosecuting 
attorney is the legal adviser of the city. Cities 
are divided into departments, such as finance, law, 
public safety and public improvements. Of each 
of these departments the mayor appoints a di- 
rector. These directors have full charge of their 
departments. 



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